'I love Muhammad' graffiti leads to protests, lathi-charge in Maharashtra
On Sunday night, September 28 (inferred from context), "I Love Muhammad" graffiti popped up on Rangili Road in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, and quickly went viral.
Local Muslim youths protested by blocking a major highway, leading to police using lathi-charge to clear the crowd.
This isn't an isolated event—it's tied to a wider campaign that began earlier this month during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur.
Wider implications of the campaign
The "I Love Muhammad" campaign has sparked protests and clashes across several states, with some Hindu groups saying it disrupts traditional festival spaces.
These tensions highlight how public religious expressions can quickly turn into larger conflicts, making it tough for authorities to keep peace while respecting everyone's rights.
It's a reminder of how sensitive—and important—religious harmony is in India today.