Unrest in Rajasthan: Tonk Tense After Viral Post Sparks Protests, Attempted Factory Vandalism

Tonk, Rajasthan – A wave of unrest swept through Tonk late on September 19, 2025, after an objectionable social media post went viral, sparking widespread anger and drawing hundreds into the streets. The situation escalated rapidly, with protesters attempting to vandalize a local factory before law enforcement swiftly intervened to restore order.

Also Read: Viral Trend on Social Media: “I Love Muhammad” Controversy Following FIR Against 25 Muslims

Details of the Unrest

The catalyst for the protests was an inflammatory post circulating on social media, perceived as religiously sensitive and deeply offensive by segments of the local community. While authorities have not officially disclosed the specific content or the identity of the poster, the outrage was immediate and intense.

Key Developments:

• Trigger: An objectionable social media post.
• Mobilization: Hundreds of individuals gathered on main roads and in markets, demanding action against the alleged perpetrator.
• Escalation: The protest, initially peaceful, turned volatile when sections of the crowd attempted to forcibly enter and damage a local factory, reportedly linked to the individual associated with the social media post.
• Law Enforcement Response: Police, anticipating unrest, deployed a significant presence across Tonk. Officers successfully dispersed the crowd, preventing major damage to the factory and securing restricted areas. Reinforcements from neighboring regions were called in to manage the escalating situation.

Leaders Urge Calm Amidst Anger

Prominent community leaders have since spoken out, condemning the offensive content and appealing for peace.

Muslim religious leader Adil Nadvi stated, “Anyone who posted objectionable content on social media should be arrested and severely punished. There is considerable anger among our youth, whom we have managed to pacify with great difficulty. The administration is on alert, and I have signed the FIR. I hope decisive action will be taken.” He further added, “We should extract a promise from the police in front of the media. If action was taken in Kanpur for ‘I love Mohammad’, and that is a crime, then I am ready to commit it again and again.”

AIMIM leader Qasim Zuberi corroborated the sentiment, explaining, “A man named Sameer made derogatory comments about our God on Instagram, deeply angering the entire Muslim community. Youth took to the streets. We intervened, assuring them that the police would take action and urging them not to take the law into their own hands. An FIR has been filed, and police have assured us of action.”

Investigation Underway, Peace Restored

By the early hours of September 20, 2025, police had largely brought the situation under control. Flag marches were conducted, and a visible police presence maintained to reassure residents and prevent any resurgence of unrest.

Investigations are ongoing into both the origin and intent behind the controversial social media post, as well as the individuals responsible for instigating violence during the protests.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the misuse of social media in India, particularly concerning the spread of inflammatory or fake content. Lawmakers and civil society groups are renewing calls for stricter regulations, enhanced fact-checking mechanisms, and robust action against those who propagate viral misinformation, aiming to prevent such incidents from spiraling out of control.

The overall situation in Tonk remains calm but vigilant, with authorities and community leaders emphasizing the importance of restraint as legal processes unfold.