Protest against 'I Love Muhammad' graffiti on road turns violent in Ahilyanagar; 1 held, 30 detained
Mumbai (PTI): A protest against an 'I Love Muhammad' graffiti painted on the road in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar turned violent on Monday, prompting police to baton-charge a stone pelting mob, officials said.
The protesters had blocked the arterial Ahilyanagar-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar road despite one person being arrested in connection with the graffiti, they added.
"The protest began this morning at Kotla in Kotwali area after someone had painted 'I Love Muhammad' on the road, which was objected to by members of the Muslim community. A complaint was lodged at Kotwali police station against this graffiti," an official said.
"Despite one person being arrested in connection with the graffiti, some people protested. Even as police urged them to maintain law and order, some persons from the mob started pelting stones. Police resorted to lathi-charge to restore normalcy," the official said.
At least 30 persons have been detained in connection with the protests, road blockade and stone pelting, Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said.
"We used force to maintain law and order. Police is taking action against the accused persons. The situation is under control. Citizens must not believe in or spread rumours," Gharge said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently touring Yavatmal, said authorities will find out if there is a conspiracy to disturb social peace in the state and polarise society by putting up different kinds of boards.
"Everyone is free to practice their own religion but not to indulge in polarisation," the CM asserted.
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IPL 2026 to be held between March 26-May 31 window
Mumbai (PTI): The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League will be held between the March 26 to May 31 window but it remains to be seen if Bengaluru, the home of RCB, holds the opening match.
As per the norms, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium should host the tournament opener given the home side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 title.
While the venue has received conditional clearance from the Karnataka state government, it also needs to meet the necessary safety and security standards following the death of 11 fans in a stampede during RCB's victory celebrations in June this year.
The mini-auction for IPL 2026 will be held in Abu Dhabi today with three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders coming in with the biggest purse.
