Tension erupted in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, following the appearance of the slogan "I Love Mohammed" painted on a road. This graffiti led to protests that turned violent on Monday, resulting in police intervention.

The protest began in the Kotla area, where members of the Muslim community expressed their objections to the graffiti. Despite the arrest of one individual linked to the incident, protesters blocked the busy Ahilyanagar-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar road. As tensions escalated, some protesters began pelting stones at the police, prompting law enforcement to use batons to disperse the crowd.

Ahilyanagar Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge confirmed that at least 30 individuals were detained for their involvement in the protests and the subsequent violence. He stated, "We used force to maintain law and order. Police is taking action against the accused persons. The situation is under control. Citizens must not believe in or spread rumours."

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently on a tour in Yavatmal, commented on the situation, indicating that authorities would investigate whether there was a conspiracy to disrupt social harmony. He emphasized, "Everyone is free to practice their own religion but not to indulge in polarisation." The police are continuing to monitor the situation closely to prevent further unrest.