UP Police arrest seven Muslims over 'Free Gaza, Free Palestine' posters in Sambhal

Seven individuals were arrested on Sunday after posters bearing slogans such as “Free Gaza, Free Palestine” were found pasted on storefront walls in Narauli town. The posters, which also urged residents of a particular neighbourhood to boycott Israeli products, were discovered several days ago, prompting a police investigation.

According to Baniyather Station House Officer Ramveer Singh, who spoke to PTI, the police had launched an investigation and used CCTV footage to identify the seven individuals. Additional information was obtained from the owners of the stores where the posters had been displayed. Singh said that Asim, Saif Ali, Rahees, Matloob, Fardeen, Arman, and Arbaz were among those arrested.

In response, Bajrang Dal convenor Nitin Sharma told reporters that the posters, which allegedly encouraged Muslims to shop exclusively at businesses owned by members of their faith, were extremely upsetting and intended to incite communal tension. “These go beyond simple posters; they reflect a dangerous mindset that is taking root in the district,” Sharma said.

He also claimed that, with the rising number of crimes against Hindus, the situation in West Bengal was becoming increasingly concerning. Similar posters, he said, had been seen in Narauli, urging Muslims to shop only at Muslim-owned establishments. “Who is trying to incite riots and burn the town down?” he asked.

Sharma warned that organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal would take matters into their own hands if the administration did not act swiftly.

Following the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, in which around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—were killed and 251 kidnapped, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the offensive has since killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Associated Press.