Overview
- Police say a WhatsApp status linked to the “I Love Muhammad” and “I Love Mahadev” trend triggered a confrontation during Garba in Bahiyal, Dehgam, late on September 24.
- Roughly 60 to about 70 people have been detained or arrested, with house raids ongoing and a widely shared video showing officers forcing entry to detain a suspect.
- An FIR at Dehgam police station cites BNS sections for rioting, unlawful assembly, promoting enmity and attempt to murder, while cybercrime units review the post for IT Act violations.
- Officials report more than 200 people involved in stone-pelting, four shops torched or damaged and several vehicles hit, including police and fire brigade units.
- Around 200 personnel, including SRP companies, were deployed and tear gas was used to restore order; authorities report the situation is under control with only minor injuries noted so far.