Protesting Muslims demand strict action against the culprit; additional security measures put in place to maintain calm
VADODARA — An AI-based viral Islamophobic post riled the Muslim community in the Junigadhi area of Gujarat’s Vadodara City on Friday night. Taking offence, hundreds of Muslim youths took to the streets late at night.
The protesting Muslims demanded strict action against the culprit.
A local lawyer, Junedbhai, stated that he was out with his family when some local boys informed him about the incident. “I wouldn’t even refer to the individual responsible as a person. Just as someone who misuses religion to commit violence is called a terrorist, I would call this person a terrorist as well,” he said.
The sacrilegious post carried pictures of the Islamic holy places of Makkah and Madinah with Hindu songs being played in the background.
“Makkah and Madinah are the most sacred places for us and are respected across the globe. If someone does not know its value, he should think ten times before posting a photo or video. This will not be tolerated. Such people should be punished or exiled,” Junedbhai said as quoted by Bhaskar English.
Upon learning about the incident, the police arrived at the scene attempting to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. A heavy police presence, including convoys and barricades, was deployed to manage the crowd.
About 50 suspects linked to the alleged stone-pelting incident were taken into custody by the Crime Branch from the police station, further intensifying tensions in the area.
Meanwhile, the city police moved swiftly, filing complaints against the accused and registering cases of rioting. Additional security measures have been put in place to maintain calm.
Additional Police Commissioner Lina Patil confirmed to The New Indian Express that separate police and Crime Branch teams intervened promptly, calming the crowd and restoring peace in the affected areas.
The official said, “There was an incident in the city’s old area that hurt religious sentiments. Following this, a crowd gathered outside the police station. Our teams, including separate units from the local police and Crime Branch, immediately intervened to control the situation. The matter has now been contained, and peace has been restored. Police personnel remain deployed in different areas to ensure continued safety, and action is being taken against all those involved in inciting communal tension.”
DCP Andrew McEwan added that the viral video had triggered the unrest and that police conducted combing operations across the city to prevent further incidents.
“Legal action has been taken on the viral post and rioting incidents. More than 50 people have been detained so far,” DCP McEwan said.
