Three Hindu youths with a Muslim accomplice wanted to settle personal feuds with some Muslims, claim police
ALIGARH – The Aligarh Police have exposed a shocking conspiracy in which three Hindu youths, along with one Muslim accomplice, attempted to incite communal hatred by writing ‘I Love Muhammad’ on temple walls in two villages under the Lodha police station area. The accused allegedly planned to frame innocent Muslims to settle old personal disputes.
The incident took place on October 25 in Bulakgarhi and Bhagwanpur villages, where locals discovered the slogan painted on four temples. The act immediately triggered anger among Hindu residents, leading to heightened tensions in the area.
Police swiftly deployed forces to prevent escalation.
However, the initial suspicion fell on Muslim residents, as the writing appeared to be intended to defame their community.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Neeraj Jadon, the investigation revealed that the real culprits were not the local Muslims, but rather three Hindu youths — Abhishek, Akash, and Dilip — who, along with Zeeshan, a Muslim, conspired to defame Muslims.
“During investigation, it became clear that the entire plan was designed to settle old personal scores,” said SSP Jadon. “They deliberately wrote ‘I Love Muhammad’ on the temples to create anger among Hindus and frame innocent Muslims.”
Police said that Mukesh, a resident of Bhagwanpur, had been involved in a fight with Gul Mohammad from the same village, which resulted in a charge sheet being filed against 15 people from Mukesh’s side. Similarly, in September 2024, Zeeshan of Bulakgarhi village had a dispute with Mustaqeem, another Muslim youth, leading to cross-cases between both parties.
These long-standing disputes reportedly motivated the accused to conspire against Muslims by attempting to portray them as temple desecrators.
Investigators examined CCTV footage, call detail records (CDR), and linguistic clues from the misspelling of the slogan. These details helped police identify the actual culprits. Based on the gathered evidence, police arrested Abhishek, Akash, Dilip, and Zeeshan, charging them under sections related to incitement of communal hatred and disturbing public peace.
“The police deserve appreciation for uncovering the truth before any major unrest could take place,” said Rashid Khan, a social worker from Aligarh. “Had the culprits not been exposed in time, innocent Muslims could have been targeted again.”
Following the incident, members of Karni Sena, led by its National Vice President Gyanendra Chauhan, organised protests demanding security for temples and strict action against those involved. “We had warned that if the culprits were not arrested within 48 hours, our agitation would intensify,” said Chauhan.
The police, however, appealed to both communities to maintain peace and not fall prey to rumours. “We urge citizens not to believe false narratives that aim to divide the society,” SSP Jadon told reporters.
The revelation that Hindu youths were behind the act brought relief to the local Muslim community, which had initially faced suspicion.
“We were being blamed for something we never did,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a resident of Bulakgarhi. “Such conspiracies are designed to demonise Muslims and disturb harmony. We thank the police for bringing out the truth.”
Another villager, Hafiz Rahman, said, “This incident shows how easily Muslims can be targeted in the name of religion. Authorities must act firmly against those who try to defame an entire community.”
Community leaders in Aligarh say that this is not an isolated case. Over the years, similar attempts have been made by anti-social elements to frame Muslims in false cases to inflame communal emotions.
“This is part of a disturbing trend where Muslims are routinely blamed before facts come out,” said Prof Nadeem Ansari, a sociologist from Aligarh Muslim University. “The intention behind such acts is to deepen mistrust and fuel communal divisions.”
Authorities have increased security in the Lodha area and neighbouring villages to prevent any untoward incidents. Police patrols have been intensified, and local peace committees have been asked to engage with both communities.
“The situation is completely under control now,” said Circle Officer Rajesh Kumar. “We have warned people against spreading misinformation or communal propaganda.”
Human rights groups have called for strict legal action against those who plotted the conspiracy. They argue that defaming a religious community for personal revenge is not just a criminal act but also an assault on the country’s pluralistic fabric.
“Such actions are poisonous for our country’s unity,” said Advocate Farha Naaz, a Delhi-based lawyer. “It is time to identify and punish those who manipulate religious sentiments for hatred.”
The Aligarh incident once again highlights how fragile communal harmony can be when hatred is weaponised for personal or political gains. The swift police investigation not only prevented potential violence but also exposed the truth — that the conspiracy to defame Muslims came from within those who pretended to protect religion.
As the investigation continues, the people of Aligarh hope that justice will serve as a reminder that truth, not propaganda, is what ultimately safeguards peace.
