Two Arrested in UP Over Alleged Attempt to Frame Muslims During Muharram Procession
Two Arrested in UP Over Alleged Attempt to Frame Muslims During Muharram Procession
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Police in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested two men after an investigation found that a viral video allegedly showing “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during a Muharram procession was staged to falsely implicate Muslims and incite communal tension.
The incident took place on June 21 in Khaikheda village under the Hafizganj area. The video, which circulated widely on social media, triggered anti-Muslim remarks and allegations against the local Muslim community.
However, police said their preliminary investigation found that two individuals, acting with “malicious intent,” allegedly made a minor raise the slogan, recorded the video, and circulated it online.
Circle Officer Nilesh Mishra said a criminal case had been registered under relevant legal provisions and that the accused had been taken into custody. Police said further action would be taken based on evidence collected during the investigation.
Local residents alleged that the video was deliberately created to defame Muslims and disturb communal harmony. Some villagers claimed the main accused, identified as Indrapal, had previously been involved in attempts to provoke communal discord during religious processions.
Authorities said they are also identifying social media accounts that amplified the video or spread misleading and inflammatory content. Police appealed to the public not to circulate unverified videos or messages, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing.
