KHANDWA, Madhya Pradesh – Tension erupted in Khandwa late Thursday evening over a controversial Instagram post targeting Prophet Muhammad, leading to a massive uproar at the Moghat police station. An agitated crowd of Muslim youths gathered, demanding immediate action against the poster, resulting in a police crackdown that saw 47 individuals charged under serious sections.
The trouble began with a post from an Instagram account named Prabhakar Shinde, featuring derogatory remarks about the Prophet. This ignited fury among local Muslim youth, who stormed the Moghat police station seeking the culprit’s arrest. Complainant Mujahid Qureshi from Singha Talai filed a report, prompting police to register a case under BNS Section 299 and swiftly apprehend Shinde.
Unappeased, the protesters escalated demands, calling for a bulldozer to raze the accused’s home. They blocked the station premises, raised slogans, and staged a sit-in. Police responded with mild force to disperse the mob, summoning reinforcements from Kotwali and Padam Nagar stations, along with reserve forces. Senior officials including ASP, CSP, ADM, City Magistrate, and Tehsildar rushed to the scene, restoring order after hours of unrest.
In the aftermath, authorities filed charges against 22 named suspects and 25 unidentified persons for obstructing government duties, wielding weapons, assaulting officials, and blocking roads. Key accused include Sohail from Pardeshipura, Malik German from Imli Pura, Qasim from Ghaspura, and former AIMIM city president Jahid, among others. Cases invoked BNS Sections 121(1), 125, 126(2), 132, 190, and 191(3).
This incident underscores the volatile sensitivities around social media content in communal hotspots, highlighting the challenges for law enforcement in balancing free speech with public order. Investigations continue as the district remains on high alert.