In another instance of Muslim religious symbols facing greater scrutiny in Modi’s India, police in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh have arrested three Muslim men after a video showing a black religious flag bearing the words “Ya Hussain” circulated on social media.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the arrests were made in Deoria district after footage of the flag displayed at a house went viral. One of those detained was identified as Mubeen, a painter who was reportedly involved in making the flag.

The flag bore the Arabic phrase “Ya Hussain Alaihissalam,” an expression of reverence for Hazrat Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Police reportedly took action after claiming that a design on the flag resembled an AK-47 rifle. The arrests have drawn criticism online, with users questioning whether Muslim religious symbols are facing greater police scrutiny than displays associated with Hindu groups.

Several users contrasted the Deoria arrests with social media videos purportedly showing members of the Hindu Raksha Dal, a Hindutva organization led by Harsh Chaudhary, publicly carrying or distributing swords at public gatherings.

The comparison has prompted questions why an image allegedly resembling a weapon could lead to arrests while displays involving actual swords at some Hindu religious or political gatherings have not always faced comparable police action.

The controversy surrounding the Deoria arrests has renewed concerns over disparities in the policing of religious expression in India and whether Muslim religious symbols and practices face heightened official scrutiny.