Following protests over the “I Love Muhammad” row in Bareilly, UP CM Yogi Adityanath warns habitual law-breakers of severe action, calling for “denting-painting.”

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Warns Habitual Offenders After Bareilly Protest, Vows “Denting-Painting” Action

In the aftermath of protests in Bareilly tied to the controversial “I Love Muhammad” campaign, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a firm warning on Saturday targeting habitual offenders. He declared that those repeatedly breaking the law must face stringent corrective measures — using the colloquial phrase “denting-painting” as he pledged swift action against lawbreakers.

Rising Tensions in Bareilly

The unrest stemmed from a gathering of protestors carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters, leading to clashes with police at a mosque in the Kotwali area following Friday prayers. The crowd challenged local authorities after a proposed demonstration, reportedly led by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, was denied permission. Khan was subsequently arrested on allegations of incitement and conspiracy in the violence.

Speaking at an event in Lucknow under the “Viksit UP” banner, the CM addressed the protests:

“If you vandalise in the name of faith, attack pedestrians or police, we won’t spare you … chedhoge to fir chodhenge nahin aur chodhenge nahin toh fir chhootoge bhi nahin.”

He added that “denting-painting” is sometimes necessary for those who can’t forsake disruptive habits — a metaphor suggesting firm, visible corrective action.

Message to Clerical Extremism and Recurring Offenders

Although he did not name Khan directly in his remarks, many observers viewed them as a direct message. The CM criticized attempts to stall governance through protests and hinted this form of civil disruption was a relic of politics before 2017.

Adityanath reportedly invoked his government’s prior use of bulldozers to dismantle illegal properties, emphasizing a no-nonsense posture toward those he described as anti-social or disruptive.

Administrative Response & Future Measures

In response to the clashes, the administration launched house-to-house raids in Bareilly, arresting eight individuals including Khan. Over 500 suspects are being identified via video and CCTV evidence.Authorities have maintained that the protests were part of a “planned conspiracy” aimed at undermining law and order.

Uttar Pradesh’s zero-tolerance stance on public disorder was echoed in other recent statements by the CM, who said misusers of slogans and processions will face decisive consequences — especially ahead of festivals and public events.

Political & Legal Implications

Observers point out that actions such as “denting-painting” carry echoes of the controversial “bulldozer justice” approach that Yogi’s administration has frequently employed, particularly against demolition of structures linked with alleged criminals or rioters. Critics argue such tactics risk bypassing due process, while proponents claim they are a deterrent against repeat offenders.

The Supreme Court has recently intervened in several cases involving demolitions without due notice, mandating safeguards against arbitrary punishment. Wikipedia The tension between law-and-order politics and constitutional safeguards may intensify as this episode unfolds.

With tensions simmering and wide speculation over further action, all eyes are on how the state government will operationalize the CM’s directive. Whether “denting-painting” will translate to actual punitive action, administrative sanctions, or merely serve as a rhetorical deterrent remains to be seen.

In any case, the latest episode reaffirms the Yogi administration’s resolve to confront protests perceived to threaten public order — even under the guise of religious expression. How opposition groups, civil society, and courts respond in the coming days may define the balance between authority and rights in Uttar Pradesh’s public sphere.

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