Tensions rise as Hindu-Muslim groups clash over “I Love Mohammad” controversy in Jalandhar

October 3, 2025

Jalandhar: A scuffle broke out between Hindu and Muslim groups at Press Club Chowk in Jalandhar, Punjab, on Friday evening. It began when the Muslim group was carrying a memorandum to the Police Commissioner’s office regarding the “I Love Mohammad” controversy.

The Muslim side alleges that a scooter rider deliberately started shouting slogans to provoke them. Meanwhile, the Hindu side alleges that the scooter rider was robbed of his scooter keys after he chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and was assaulted.

Following the commotion at a busy intersection, a large crowd gathered. The two sides confronted each other. The Hindu side chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and the Muslim side chanted “Allah Hu Akbar.”

The man who was assaulted, named Yogesh. He said that as soon as he raised the slogan, he was surrounded and told to chant “Allah Hu Akbar” or else he would be killed. When he refused, his keys were snatched. He was grabbed and shaken. Shoes were taken off to hit him.

On the Muslim side, All India Ulama Chairman Mohammad Akbar Ali said that he was on his way to the Commissioner’s office to submit a memorandum against discrimination against Muslims in the country. During this, a man saw him and shouted, “Jai Shri Ram.”

He said that the allegations of assault against him are false and that the keys to the scooter that was stolen from the Hindu man have been returned. The Muslim side has left the scene.

BJP leader KD Bhandari has also joined the protest. He has staged a sit-in on the road with the Hindu side, chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” As the situation deteriorated, police forces were deployed at the intersection as a precautionary measure.