A new controversy has gripped Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after posters reading “I Love Pig” appeared overnight at the city’s prominent Collectorate Square. The posters surfaced just days after the “I Love Mohammad” row, triggering outrage and street protests from sections of the Muslim community. Locals have alleged a deliberate attempt to provoke religious sentiments and disturb communal harmony in the city that has only recently calmed after earlier unrest.
Outrage and Protests Over Provocative Posters
As news of the posters spread, hundreds of people gathered at Collectorate Square, raising slogans and demanding swift police action. The protestors accused unidentified miscreants of targeting their faith and attempting to ignite fresh communal discord. “These posters are meant to insult our religion and spread hate. If the culprits aren’t caught, this could go out of control,” one protestor told reporters.
Police teams arrived promptly at the scene, removed the posters, and increased patrolling in sensitive areas. Additional forces were deployed to prevent escalation, and security has been tightened around key intersections, mosques, and commercial hubs.
Community leaders alleged that “mischievous elements” were exploiting existing tensions to create instability. They pointed out that the “I Love Mohammad” controversy, which originated in Kanpur and later spread to Indore, had only recently cooled after protests from Hindu groups. The appearance of “I Love Pig” posters invoking a term considered impure in Islam has made the issue even more sensitive.
Police Launches Investigation
Authorities have assured that strong action will be taken against those responsible. Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh has ordered a high-level inquiry into the case. “We are scanning CCTV footage and gathering technical evidence to trace those who printed and pasted these posters,” Dandotiya said.
Sources indicated that local intelligence units have been asked to monitor social media chatter for any signs of coordinated mischief. The administration has also held peace committee meetings with representatives from both communities to appeal for restraint and maintain law and order.
Political Reactions Sharpen the Divide
As the controversy grew, political reactions poured in. BJP MLA Usha Thakur defended the posters on constitutional grounds, remarking, “The Constitution grants every citizen the freedom of expression. Whom one chooses to love or how one expresses it is a personal matter.”
Her remarks drew sharp criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the BJP of dismissing a serious communal issue. “This is not freedom of expression; this is an attempt to inflame passions and divide communities,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s regional leader Santosh Sharma took a more neutral stance, saying, “If someone expresses love for a pig, that’s their personal choice. There is nothing illegal or objectionable about it unless it’s intended to provoke.”
This is not the first time Indore has seen such imagery. In April 2025, just after the Pahalgam terror attack, posters stating “Pigs and Pakistani citizens not allowed” appeared in the city’s famous 56 Dukan market. Those posters, featuring an image of the Pakistani Army Chief alongside a pig, had also stirred controversy and protests but resulted in no major arrests.
