'I Love Muhammad': Violence in Bareilly as protesters clash with police over poster row

The incident marked the latest standoff that is ongoing in the region after a poster titled 'I Love Muhammad' triggered tension.

According to reports, a large number of people had gathered close to Bareilly's Islamia ground following Friday's prayer, over a call by a cleric to raise voices and submit a memorandum in connection with an FIR lodged in Kanpur after a tent with an 'I Love Muhammad' poster was removed earlier this month.

The crowd allegedly raised objectionable slogans and pelted stones at the police, causing tension in the area.

The police launched a lathi charge to control the situation, reported NDTV.

Top officials are monitoring the situation and have directed authorities in Bareilly to take stern action against those disrupting normalcy in Bareilly, the Indian news channel reported.

According to reports, the 'I Love Muhammad' controversy erupted on September 4 during a Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpur.

A tent with the poster was put on the way of the procession.

Kanpur police registered cases against 24 people on September 9, citing the removal of the traditional tent and placing it at a new site, NDTV reported.

The police said the FIR was launched against the practice of installing the tent on the road and not targeting the poster.