Crying, wailing: Shia Muslims in Bengaluru, Lucknow protest killing of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [Watch]

The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has triggered grief and protests among his supporters in India, with large demonstrations reported in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

On Sunday morning, members of the Shia community gathered in significant numbers in the state capital. The procession began from the historic Chota Imambara in Old Lucknow and passed through several key areas of the city. Protesters carried photographs of Khamenei and raised slogans such as "Khamenei Amar Rahein," while voicing strong opposition to the United States and Israel.

Speakers at the protest expressed deep sorrow over Khamenei's death, terming it a "dangerous development" and linking it directly to what they described as American "terrorism and imperialism." Some warned that the situation could escalate into a global conflict if tensions continue to rise.

Religious leaders addressing the gathering described Khamenei as a global figure who stood against oppression and supported the downtrodden, irrespective of religion. They asserted that his death would serve as an inspiration for oppressed communities worldwide and called for international efforts seeking justice.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Shia Muslims protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Residents of Alipur village in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka are gripped by anxiety and grief after members of the Shia Muslim community called for a protest march and three days of mourning, condemning the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protest is being organised under the leadership of the Anjuman-e-Jafaria Committee. Located around 70 kilometres from Bengaluru, Alipur has a population of nearly 25,000, of whom an estimated 90 per cent are Shia Muslims.

India's Shia community leader Syed Samar Kazmi told ANI that Khamenei was targeted for raising his voice on Palestine. "He was killed only because he raised his voice against the killings in Palestine while the world was silent," he said.

Protests were also reported in parts of Ladakh, where members of the Shia community held peaceful mourning marches condemning the strike.

In view of the strong emotions on the streets, heavy police deployment was seen along the protest route. Security personnel accompanied the procession, while officials appealed for calm and restraint. Intelligence agencies were also placed on alert, urging citizens not to pay heed to rumours and to maintain communal harmony.

According to Iranian state media, Ayatollah Khamenei died following a major attack allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States, with the development confirmed early on Sunday (March 1, 2026). The news has had a deep emotional impact on the residents of Alipur, many of whom share religious and cultural ties with Iran.

He added that his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of residents of Jammu and Kashmir, including students currently in Iran.

A police official told PTI that senior officers had reviewed the security situation and directed district police to closely monitor developments and ensure peace.