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Authorities targeted illegal structures associated with Mohsin Raza, including a garage built on encroached land above a drainage system, while his resort was also sealed
Police arrest Maulana Mohsin Raza in connection with the 26 September’s protests in Bareilly | Image: ANI
Bareilly Police on Tuesday arrested Maulana Mohsin Raza, the son-in-law of Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s elder brother Mannani Miya, and initiated demolition action against properties linked to him in connection with the violent protests on 26 September.
The controversy stemmed after protesters holding “I Love Mohammad” placards reportedly hurled stones outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s residence following Friday prayers.
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Authorities targeted illegal structures associated with Mohsin Raza, including a garage built on encroached land above a drainage system, while his resort was also sealed.
Additionally, the district administration sealed a marriage lawn owned by Haji Sharafat Khan, a close aide of the Maulana.
State Minister in Charge JPS Rathore emphasised, “No one is above the law. Rioters will not be spared. Any form of anarchy, illegal occupation, or tampering with building plans will not be tolerated. Bulldozer operations and strict action will continue wherever irregularities are found.”
So far, 62 people have been arrested in connection with the Bareilly violence, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, Dr Nafees, and Nadeem Khan, all considered key figures behind the unrest. Police have seized assets worth approximately Rs 150 crore linked to Tauqeer Raza and his associates.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and has directed stringent action.
According to police, former IMC district president Nadeem Khan disclosed during interrogation that Maulana Tauqeer Raza had planned a large gathering at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers to showcase his influence.
With the 2027 state elections approaching, the event was allegedly intended to project the Maulana as a prominent Muslim leader in Western UP, drawing attention from major political parties.
Police sources said that over the past year and a half, Tauqeer Raza had struggled to mobilise significant public support.
The “I Love Muhammad” controversy, which originated in Kanpur, was reportedly used as a trigger to reassert his religious and political authority.
Interrogation revealed that Nadeem Khan and Dr Nafees forged a letter using fake signatures of IMC state media in-charge Liaqat Khan, submitting it to the police to claim that the gathering had been cancelled.
The Maulana later disowned the document in a viral video, calling it fake.
Investigators also uncovered factional rivalries within Tauqeer Raza’s supporters.
One faction, led by Nadeem and Dr Nafees, was reportedly closer to the Maulana, while another, led by Munir Idrishi, Anees Saklaini, and Ahsanul Haq alias Chaturvedi, frequently sought to influence his decisions.
Nadeem claimed that after he and Dr Nafees submitted the cancellation letter with Tauqeer’s consent, the rival faction persuaded the Maulana to reject it, escalating tensions and triggering the unrest.
After Tauqeer Raza was placed under house arrest, Nadeem fled to Shahjahanpur but was later apprehended.
During questioning, he sought to minimise his role, claiming he only tried to calm the crowd and advised the Maulana not to proceed without official permission.
Police, however, maintain that Nadeem remains a key accused. SSP Anurag Arya said, “Interrogation of Nadeem Khan has revealed vital information that will aid in identifying other accused and advancing the investigation.”
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
September 30, 2025, 18:38 IST
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