Kanpur police have arrested Zubair Ahmed Khan, a dismissed constable and the key figure behind the controversial “I Love Muhammad” audio clip, nearly a week after the incident sparked protests across multiple states. Zubair, who recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP), is alleged to have played the provocative clip to worshippers shortly after Friday prayers, reportedly aiming to disturb communal harmony.
Photos of Zubair with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood have circulated on social media, adding a political dimension to the controversy.
The dispute began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur, when a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Some Hindu groups objected, claiming the banner introduced a “new tradition” to the religious procession. Police intervened, citing rules that forbid altering customs during processions. Although no FIR was filed over the slogan itself, cases were registered against 24 individuals for allegedly removing a traditional tent and installing the banner elsewhere, which authorities said disturbed communal harmony.
The issue gained wider attention after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the expression, stating on social media that showing love for the Prophet was not a crime.
Since then, tensions have spread to other districts and states. In Unnao and Kaushambi, processions and objectionable slogans led to clashes and police detentions. In Lucknow, Muslim women held peaceful protests outside Vidhan Bhavan. Authorities also intervened in Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand) and protests were reported in Nagpur demanding respect for religious freedom.
Political reactions remain divided. The Samajwadi Party defended freedom of expression and criticised the police, while BJP leaders emphasised that lawbreakers would face action. Religious leaders called for calm, urging respect for constitutional freedoms. Owaisi reiterated that expressing love for the Prophet should not be treated as a criminal act.
