12 arrested in UPs Bareilly as I Love Muhammad row escalates
The Uttar Pradesh government also labeled the unrest a “deliberate conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing western UP and hindering the state’s push for investment, including the upcoming Noida International Trade Show.
PTC News Desk: Violence erupted in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday after a planned rally in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign was abruptly cancelled, sparking clashes between locals and police near a mosque and other parts of the city. According to officials, large groups carrying campaign posters assembled outside cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s residence and the Kotwali mosque following Friday prayers. When police attempted to disperse them, some protesters resorted to stone-pelting, prompting security forces to use mild force. Over two dozen people were detained, and FIRs are being filed.
The violence spread to areas around the mosque adjoining Islamia ground and the Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat, the prominent shrine of the Barelvi sect. Protesters tried to march toward Islamia Inter College ground but were blocked, leading to vandalism and more stone-throwing. Streets were left littered with shattered glass, stones, and footwear, while shops shut down in localities like Alamgiriganj, Civil Lines, Bada Bazaar, and Bansmandi amid panic.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh stated that Section 163 of the BNSS, which mandates prior written approval for demonstrations, was already in effect. “Even so, some attempted to disturb peace after Friday prayers. Police acted firmly, and the situation is now fully under control,” he said. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni described the clashes as “pre-planned” and warned that the culprits would face strict punishment.
The Uttar Pradesh government also labeled the unrest a “deliberate conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing western UP and hindering the state’s push for investment, including the upcoming Noida International Trade Show.
Meanwhile, Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan rejected claims that the march had been called off, alleging a “conspiracy by police and administration.” He maintained that the plan to peacefully submit a memorandum to the President through the district magistrate remained unchanged. “Our goal is peace, and I urge everyone to join responsibly, as true Muslims and true Indians,” he said.
The “I Love Muhammad” controversy traces back to September 9, when Kanpur police booked nine individuals and 15 unidentified persons for displaying banners with the slogan during a Barawafat procession—an act Hindu groups protested as a “deliberate provocation.”