Tension erupted in Ahilyanagar’s Milliwada area on Sunday night (September 28, 2025) after someone created a roadside rangoli with the words “I love Muhammad.” The controversial rangoli art, traditionally used for decorative purposes during festivals, became the catalyst for widespread unrest that would grip the district for hours.
A video of the graffiti went viral by morning, prompting Muslim youths to protest by blocking the busy Ahilyanagar–Sambhaji highway, transforming what began as a localised incident into a major law and order challenge for authorities. The Ahilyanagar protests represented a significant escalation of communal tensions in the region.
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Escalation of Violence
The situation deteriorated rapidly on Monday morning as protesters gathered in large numbers to express their opposition to the graffiti. The protesters had blocked the arterial Ahilyanagar-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar road, causing significant disruption to traffic and daily life in the area.
Stone pelting and road blockades marked the violent turn of the Ahilyanagar protests, forcing law enforcement to take immediate action. The intensity of the demonstrations caught local authorities off guard, requiring substantial police deployment to contain the situation.
Police Response and Lathi Charge
Faced with escalating violence, police used a ‘lathi charge’ to bring the situation under control during the Ahilyanagar protests. The decision to use force came after peaceful dialogue attempts failed to disperse the agitated crowd.
Ahilyanagar SP Somnath Gharge said, “We used force to maintain law and order. The police are taking action against the accused persons. The situation is under control.” The superintendent’s statement reflected the challenges law enforcement faced in managing the volatile situation.
The police action during the Ahilyanagar protests was measured but firm, with officers working to restore normalcy while investigating the root cause of the unrest.
Arrests and Detentions
Police detained 30 people and arrested one in connection with the graffiti following the violent turn of the Ahilyanagar protests. One person has been arrested in connection with the graffiti, indicating that authorities had identified the individual responsible for creating the controversial rangoli.
The mass detentions during the Ahilyanagar protests included individuals involved in stone pelting, road blockades, and other acts of violence that disrupted public order. Police maintained that the arrests were necessary to prevent further escalation of communal tensions.
Political Response and Conspiracy Allegations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted at a larger conspiracy behind the violence in Ahilyanagar, where police detained 30 people after a protest against an allegedly objectionable Rangoli turned violent. The Chief Minister’s statement elevated the Ahilyanagar protests from a local law and order issue to a matter of statewide political concern.
Speaking to reporters, Devendra Fadnavis condemned the alleged attempt to polarise the public, suggesting that the incident might have been orchestrated to create communal discord. The political leadership’s response to the Ahilyanagar protests indicated the seriousness with which the state government viewed the situation.
Community Impact and Highway Disruption
The Ahilyanagar protests significantly impacted daily life in the region, with the blockade of major transportation arteries causing widespread inconvenience. Police intervened with a baton charge to restore order, causing significant disruption to normal activities in the area.
Local businesses and commuters faced considerable challenges during the Ahilyanagar protests, with many unable to travel on the blocked highways. The economic impact of the unrest extended beyond the immediate area of conflict.
Law and Order Challenges
The rapid escalation of the Ahilyanagar protests highlighted the delicate nature of communal harmony in the region. According to a statement by Ahilyanagar Police, 30 people were detained after a protest turned violent, and police had to resort to mild lathi charge to maintain order.
The incident demonstrated how quickly local grievances can transform into broader communal tensions, requiring swift and decisive action from law enforcement agencies.
Investigation and Future Measures
Investigation and Future MeasuresAuthorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into both the creation of the controversial graffiti and the subsequent violent response during the Ahilyanagar protests. Police are examining video evidence and witness statements to identify all individuals involved in the unrest.
The Ahilyanagar protests have prompted discussions about enhanced security measures during religious festivals and public gatherings to prevent similar incidents. Local administration is reviewing protocols for handling sensitive communal issues.
Conclusion
The Ahilyanagar protests over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ graffiti represent a complex intersection of religious sentiment, community tensions, and law enforcement challenges. While immediate order has been restored through police intervention and arrests, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining communal harmony and addressing grievances through peaceful dialogue rather than violent confrontation.
The swift police response during the Ahilyanagar protests prevented further escalation, but the underlying issues that contributed to the unrest require sustained attention from both community leaders and government officials to ensure lasting peace in the region.
