Communal tension gripped Bahiyal village in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district after a social media post triggered violence late at night, resulting in stone-pelting and arson. At least three shops were set ablaze, and nearly 80 people were arrested in connection with the incident.
According to local sources, the unrest began after a post with the message “I Love Mohammad” appeared on social media. In response, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, Hitesh Banker, circulated another post saying “I Love Mahadev” and urged followers to make it viral “to teach these ignorant people a lesson.”
The provocative exchange quickly spread across Bahiyal village and nearby towns through WhatsApp and other platforms, inflaming communal sentiments. As tensions escalated, groups of youths allegedly gathered on the streets, pelting stones and targeting shops belonging to members of the minority community. By nightfall, three shops had been torched, and panic gripped the area.
Police from multiple stations were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. Senior officials confirmed that nearly 100 individuals were identified as suspects, and around 80 have been arrested for rioting, arson, and disturbing public peace.
In the days following the violence, the district administration initiated bulldozer action on several shops and properties allegedly linked to the accused, drawing criticism from rights activists who termed the move “collective punishment” and “selective targeting.”
Authorities have imposed heightened security in Bahiyal and surrounding areas, with police patrolling continuing to prevent further escalation. Community leaders from both sides have appealed for peace, urging residents not to fall prey to provocative social media content.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.
