Bareilly: Police have arrested two men accused of orchestrating a fake slogan controversy during a Muharram procession in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and attempting to falsely implicate the local Muslim community by circulating a misleading video on social media, Maktoob Media reported.
The controversy began after a video allegedly showing pro-Pakistan slogans being raised during a Muharram procession in Khaikheda village of Hafizganj area went viral online, triggering a campaign targeting local Muslims. However, a police investigation found that the video did not reflect events during the procession and was allegedly staged with the intention of creating communal tension.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly made a minor raise “Pakistan Zindabad”, recorded the clip and then circulated it on social media to portray it as part of the Muharram gathering. Police registered a criminal case, took the accused into custody and launched further legal proceedings based on the evidence collected so far.
Residents of Khaikheda alleged that the video was part of a deliberate effort to tarnish the image of Muslims in the village and provoke hostility against them. Villagers pointed out that the Muharram procession was accompanied by loud drums and traditional instruments, raising questions about the clarity and authenticity of the audio heard in the viral clip.
Locals also alleged that one of the accused had previously been involved in attempts to disturb communal harmony and create friction between communities during religious events. Similar allegations regarding earlier efforts to provoke tensions during Muslim processions were also raised by residents.
Police are now identifying social media accounts that amplified the video and allegedly helped spread misleading and inflammatory content. Authorities have urged the public not to share unverified material as the investigation continues.