September 29, 2025, Ahilya Nagar — Tension erupted in Maharashtra’s Ahilya Nagar after the religious message “I Love Mohammad” was written on a public road, leading to protests and police action including lathi charge to control the situation.
Local residents became agitated after the religious message appeared on the street. The situation quickly turned tense as members of the Muslim community took to the streets in protest and began raising slogans.
Police had to resort to lathi charge as the situation went out of control. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area and authorities are appealing to people to maintain peace and calm.
Police have detained one person in connection with the case. “Cases have been registered against two people at the police station and we have arrested one accused. We have produced him in court and further investigation is underway,” a police official said.
“I request all people of Ahilya Nagar city and district not to spread any wrong information if they receive any information about this incident,” the official added.
The controversy centers on why a religious slogan connected to a particular community was written on a public road. Questions are being raised about whether this was done deliberately to disturb peace in the area.
This incident comes amid similar controversies across the country over “I Love Mohammad” slogans. The issue first sparked in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and has now spread to other states including Maharashtra.
In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, protests turned violent with stone pelting on police, leading to action against those involved. The issue has now crossed state borders into Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised strict action against those responsible. “We need to see if there is any conspiracy behind these different types of boards and other things happening. Is someone trying to disturb our social fabric?” he questioned.
Fadnavis drew parallels to polarization attempts during Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra. “Everyone has the right to follow their religion. But creating tension among people in this manner is not acceptable,” he stated.
Police are investigating whether the incident was part of a larger plan to create communal tension. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and not fall for rumors or provocations.