Derogatory Post About Prophet Muhammad Sparks Unrest in Dehradun’s Patel Nagar
Police detain accused youth; protests erupt, prompting flag march and heavy deployment to restore order.
Dehradun: Tensions flared in Patel Nagar, Dehradun, on Tuesday night after an alleged derogatory social media post about Prophet Muhammad led to protests by hundreds of residents. The unrest began after a 19-year-old youth, Gulshan Singh, reportedly shared a screenshot containing offensive remarks, which quickly went viral and triggered outrage among members of the Muslim community.
Singh, originally from Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, was residing in Patel Nagar. He was detained by police shortly after the post surfaced. Authorities confirmed that a case has been filed against him under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 196(1) – Promoting enmity between groups
- Section 302 – Causing hurt to religious sentiments
- Section 29 – General provisions
The offensive content was taken down, and Singh is currently under police interrogation.
Protests and Police Response
Despite the swift police action, around 800 protestors gathered near the Bazaar police post late Tuesday night. The crowd blocked roads, shouted slogans, and expressed anger over the incident. Some reportedly attempted to escalate tensions in the area.
To prevent further unrest, the police deployed reinforcements from nearby stations and carried out a flag march in the area. Mild force was used to disperse the crowd, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh confirmed that a second case was registered against unidentified protestors under the BNS, including:
- Section 121(2) – Causing hurt to a public servant
- Section 126(2) – Wrongful restraint
- Sections 190, 191(2), 196, and 302 – Related to unlawful assembly and disruption of public order
Government Reaction
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami strongly condemned the incident, both the offensive post and the attempt to provoke communal unrest.
“Religious fanaticism and anarchy will not be tolerated in Uttarakhand. Strict action has been taken against those who tried to disturb peace in Patel Nagar,” the Chief Minister said in a statement.
Current Situation
Police have urged residents to maintain calm and avoid circulating rumours. The situation remains tense but under control, with increased surveillance and patrolling in sensitive areas.
