Tensions prevailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district after unidentified miscreants defaced the walls of multiple Hindu temples in the Lodha area with the slogan “I Love Muhammad." The slogan, written with spray paint or chalk, angered the locals, prompting police intervention.
It is learnt that the writings appeared late on Friday night or Saturday morning at temples in and around Bulaki Gadi village. “I Love Muhammad" slogans were found on the walls of four temples, police said.
According to police, four temples were defaced. Officials termed the act a “provocation" intended to disrupt communal harmony.
Meanwhile, the Aligarh SSP said he inspected religious sites in two villages (Bulakgarhi and Bhagwanpur) in the district and found four to be defaced with slogans.
In a post on X, the Aligarh Police wrote, “Thana Lodha – Upon receiving information about religious slogans being written on religious sites, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Aligarh, conducted an inspection of all religious sites in the villages of Bulakgarhi and Bhagwanpur. Religious slogans written on four religious sites have been removed. Discussions have also been held with the villagers. A previous dispute in the village has also come to notice. A thorough investigation is being conducted into all aspects. A case is being registered in this matter, and orders have been given to take strict punitive action against the accused involved in the incident. Peace prevails at the scene. (sic)"
Locals and organizations condemned the incident, calling it an attempt to incite unrest. It is suspected that the act is a part of the ongoing “I Love Muhammad" campaign, which caused chaos across several Uttar Pradesh districts—such as Bareilly, Kanpur, Moradabad, and Farrukhabad—since September. The campaign has previously triggered violence through posters and slogans.
Following the incident, Karni Sena members, led by national vice president Gyanendra Chauhan, reached Bulaki Gadi in large numbers. They inspected the temples and protested alongside residents, demanding arrests and stronger temple security. Villagers described the act as a “religious insult," while many women and elders held prayers and appealed for peace. Some residents claimed that “outsiders" were behind the act, according to media reports.
