Violent clashes in UP's Bareilly after 'I Love Muhammad' campaign called off

In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a planned sit-in protest by Muslim clerics after Friday prayers took a violent turn. The protest was organized in response to alleged derogatory remarks against the Prophet. Following the prayers, a large crowd gathered, displaying 'I love Mohammed' posters. The situation escalated when the crowd reportedly started pelting stones at the police, who then resorted to a lathi charge to control the situation. The slogan 'I love Mohammed' was first seen in a procession in Kanpur on September 4th, which triggered protests across several states. In response to these events, counter-protests have also emerged, with some individuals getting tattoos of Lord Mahadev. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned why people were being stopped from expressing their love for Prophet Mohammed, stating, "this is just an expression of free speech."