‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Bareilly administration targets cleric’s aides, 73 arrested over violence
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Bareilly: Authorities in Bareilly have identified eight allegedly illegal properties linked to associates of cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), for demolition following recent violence in the city. Officials said the action was part of a wider crackdown on unlawful activities connected to the September 26 unrest.
The clashes erupted after Friday prayers in Kotwali area when more than 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to police personnel. The unrest followed the cancellation of a protest over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row called by Khan.
According to the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA), several properties in Faiq Enclave, Jagatpur and the old city areas were built without approved maps, with some encroaching on government land. Police also said Faiq Enclave had become a hideout for criminals.
Earlier, a property linked to Saddam, brother-in-law of slain gangster Atiq Ahmad, was sealed in the area. Investigators now point to Khan’s aides, including Farhat and colonizer Mohammad Arif, for similar activities. Hotels and lawns allegedly owned by Arif, Skylark, Fahm Lawn and Flora Garden, were sealed on Sunday for illegal construction.
“Illegal constructions on government and ceiling land will not be spared. Strict action will be taken according to rules,” BDA Vice Chairman Dr Manikandan A said. The Bareilly Municipal Corporation has also marked several shops, including those at Pahalwan Sahab Dargah, for demolition.
Officials confirmed that surveillance has been tightened on Khan’s close associates and financiers suspected of channeling funds for unlawful activities under the cover of community programs. The district magistrate, senior superintendent of police, BDA vice chairman and municipal commissioner are overseeing the drive.
Police have so far registered 10 FIRs against 180 named and 2,500 unnamed individuals. A total of 73 people have been arrested, including IMC office-bearer Shamshad, accused of mobilizing people via WhatsApp, and another man, Tazim, who was shot in the leg after opening fire at police near Shyamganj bridge.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya said CCTV and drone footage were being used to identify those involved. WhatsApp groups were used to mobilize people despite clear instructions that no protest had been authorized. Several arrested individuals have confessed to their involvement, he said, adding that more arrests are expected.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh assured that innocent citizens would not face action but warned that those attempting to disturb peace would be dealt with firmly. “Some antisocial elements are continuously plotting to disrupt peace, particularly by misleading minors and attempting to arm them with stones, firearms and weapons. The administration is taking this very seriously,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed strict measures against those involved in the violence, while internet services in the district remain suspended to curb the spread of inflammatory content.
