200 booked in UP after violent protest over derogatory social media posts against Quran

A major law-and-order situation erupted in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after objectionable social media posts against Prophet Muhammad and the Quran surfaced. Police arrested a 45-year-old man on Friday for making derogatory comments online, triggering violent protests in the city.

Soon after the arrest, hundreds of people gathered outside the local police station around 9 pm and attempted to enter the premises while raising slogans. The mob set two two-wheelers on fire, refusing to disperse despite repeated appeals from the police. Officers were eventually forced to resort to baton-charge to bring the situation under control.

The protests spilled over to Lal Imli crossing, where agitators blocked the road before being cleared after heavy persuasion. On Monday, police registered a case against 200 unidentified people for their role in the violence. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi confirmed that a team is scanning CCTV footage and viral videos to identify those involved.

Meanwhile, police have strengthened deployment across the city and are conducting regular flag marches in market areas to maintain order. Authorities have appealed to citizens not to post or share any content on social media that could disturb communal harmony.