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Police arrested eight people, including a cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, accusing him of instigating the unrest
Police personnel keep a vigil amid tight security in Bareilly| Image: PTI
A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the violence that broke out in Bareilly on Friday, September 26, following a protest linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.
Police arrested eight people, including a cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, accusing him of instigating the unrest.
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A local court remanded Raza and the seven others to 14-day judicial custody.
“Maulana Tauqeer Raza, the main conspirator of the Bareilly unrest, along with seven mischievous elements, have been arrested, produced in court, and sent to judicial custody,” District Magistrate Avinash Singh said at a joint press briefing with SSP Anurag Arya.
What Led To Violent Protest?
- The clashes erupted outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers, when a large crowd carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters turned violent over the cancellation of a proposed demonstration.
- Protesters pelted stones, vandalised vehicles, and allegedly fired in the air, injuring at least 10 police personnel.
- The police responded with a lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the mob, triggering a stampede-like situation.
‘Raza Incited Youth’
Officials said Raza delivered provocative speeches that incited youth to join the protest, creating chaos from Khaleel Tiraha to the Islamia Ground.
The seven other accused were identified as Sarfaraz, Manifuddin, Azeem Ahmed, Mohammed Sharif, Mohammed Aamir, Rehan, and Mohammad Sarfaraz.
Authorities have detained 36 others after identifying them through video footage.
According to the SSP, Raza was under surveillance on Friday and was formally arrested in the early hours of Saturday by a team led by SP (Traffic) Akmal Khan.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed strict action against those responsible and ordered enhanced security ahead of Dussehra.
He said miscreants must be identified through video evidence and social media monitoring, stressing that “no one should be spared.”
Raza, who has been politically active in Bareilly for over two decades, remains a polarising figure with a support base in parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
September 27, 2025, 18:56 IST
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