A private school in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, has come under intense scrutiny after allegations surfaced that young Hindu students were forced to write the phrase “I Love Muhammad” as part of an art competition. The incident reportedly took place in the Sadarpur area of the city at Amar Bapu Shiksha Niketan School. Parents raised the complaint with authorities after children disclosed the matter at home, prompting Hindu organizations, including the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), to intervene. Following their complaint, police registered an FIR against three individuals, including the school manager, and have launched a thorough investigation.
🚨Shocking: Hindu students were forced to make “I love Mohammad” charts in Amar Bapu Shiksha Niketan school in Sitapur.
Reverse the religion & you will see Islamists & liberals crying attack on Muslims. pic.twitter.com/uYDTN9rWHB
— BALA (@erbmjha) September 28, 2025
Background and Escalation
This controversy in Sitapur emerges amid ongoing tensions in Uttar Pradesh over similar incidents, which began in Kanpur and subsequently spread to cities such as Bareilly and Mau. Last Friday, violent protests erupted in Bareilly after Friday prayers, leading to the arrest of eight individuals, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, and detention of over 40 others. In Mau, hundreds of youth staged protests with slogans, prompting strict administrative action.
The Sitapur incident, involving children in a school setting, has added further pressure on state authorities to act swiftly. Reports indicate that the posters created by students were reviewed by teachers, and parents became aware only after the students returned home. The FIR names the school manager, village head, and other unidentified teachers.
Tensions Across Districts
Barabanki: Faizullaganj village, near Lucknow, witnessed unrest after a banner displaying “I Love Muhammad” was torn down by a local watchman, Dhanni. The incident drew crowds from both communities, leading police to intervene. Eight individuals were arrested for taking out a procession in protest. A significant police presence remains in the area.
Mau: Following Friday prayers, residents reportedly organized a procession in the Nai Bazaar area, chanting “I Love Muhammad”. Police dispersed the crowd using batons, and footage of the event circulated on social media.
Varanasi: Police arrested seven individuals and a juvenile from Sigra and Lallapura areas, allegedly for organizing an unauthorized procession with “I Love Muhammad” posters and banners, reportedly aimed at disrupting communal harmony.
Muzaffarnagar: At least five people were arrested for putting up objectionable stickers and pamphlets. District Magistrate Umesh Mishra imposed prohibitory orders, banning any procession without prior permission. Religious leaders have urged citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Bareilly: Authorities indicated that the recent violence was pre-planned. Investigations have implicated local politicians in the unrest. Deputy Inspector General Ajay Kumar Sahni stated that those disrupting peace would face action under the Goondas Act and National Security Act (NSA). Security forces, including police, PAC, and paramilitary personnel from 15 districts, have been deployed to maintain order. Over 500 individuals are being identified through CCTV footage and video evidence, and several are already in custody, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council. District Magistrate Avnish Singh confirmed that schools, colleges, and businesses are operating normally, but heightened security remains in place.
Police and administrative authorities have urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours circulating on social media. Strict action has been promised against those found spreading misinformation or attempting to incite unrest.
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