The communal flames of 'I Love Muhammad' reached Jalandhar on Friday afternoon. On October 3, members of a Muslim organization, marching to submit a memorandum to the Police Commissioner, were chanting "Allahu Akbar" and "I Love Muhammad."
Thereafter, a man named Yogesh riding a scooter raised "Jai Shri Ram" slogans in response. It sparked an altercation near Press Club Chowk. Yogesh alleged that he was threatened, assaulted, and his scooter keys were snatched.
He further claimed that he was forced to chant "Allahu Akbar," but when he refused and insisted on saying "Jai Shri Ram," he was beaten.
After Hindu organizations in Jalandhar learned of the incident, they jointly launched protests and are demanding justice for Yogesh. KD Bhandari, Ex MLA and BJP senior leader, BJP leaderAmit Taneja, among others also joined the protest.
As per information received, Yogesh has submitted a written statement to the police administration, stating that he was passing near Press Club Chowk in Jalandhar at around 4:00 pm when members of the Muslim community were marching there.
Some of them stopped him and asked him to chant "Allah Hu Akbar." He stated that he was a Hindu and would chant "Jai Shri Ram." When he chanted "Jai Shri Ram," members of the Muslim community attacked him and snatched the keys to his scooter. He has appealed to the police administration to take action against the anti-social elements who harmed him.
On this matter, Jalandhar's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Naresh Dogra,, said-
"Later this afternoon, members of the Muslim community were holding a march regarding the incidents taking place in Bareilly and were proceeding to submit a complaint against the Uttar Pradesh government. During this, an individual raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, which led to a dispute. Initially, that person told the police that no action was required, but now a formal complaint has been received. We are retrieving CCTV footage, and whatever action is necessary will be taken at the earliest.
On the other hand, Muslim group representatives have denied the charges. All India Ulema Chairman Mohammad Akbar Ali stated that their march was peaceful and meant to highlight discrimination against Muslims. He said the allegations of assault were false and clarified that the scooter keys had already been returned.
