Cleric Arrested After Violence in Bareilly: UP Government Stresses No Law Against “I Love Muhammad” Posters

Arrest of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan

The Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with the violence that erupted in Bareilly a day earlier. The arrest followed protests linked to the cleric’s call for a demonstration under the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.

Police confirmed that Khan has been sent to judicial custody. So far, 10 FIRs have been registered against nearly 2,000 people, including both identified and unidentified individuals. Authorities stated that 39 people have been arrested, while more are under investigation.

Role of Social Media in Escalation

According to DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni (Bareilly Range), social media was actively used to mobilize crowds and incite violence. Authorities reported recovering large quantities of weapons, empty shells, pistols, stones, and broken bottles from the protest site. At least 22 police personnel were injured during the clashes.

Crowds reportedly gathered near the cleric’s residence and the Kotwali mosque area, holding “I Love Muhammad” posters after Friday prayers. The violence broke out after Khan announced the suspension of the proposed demonstration, citing lack of government permission.

Government’s Position: No Law Against Posters

The Uttar Pradesh state government clarified that no law exists against people holding or displaying “I Love Muhammad” posters. Officials emphasized that the violence was incited by misleading elements, who deliberately spread misinformation to provoke unrest within the Muslim community.

On Thursday, Khan had publicly declared that the demonstration would proceed “at any cost,” despite the lack of official approval. Authorities later placed him under house arrest, moving him at night to an undisclosed location for questioning before confirming his formal arrest.

CM Yogi Adityanath’s Response

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a strong stance, warning that such incidents would not be tolerated. He remarked:

  • “A maulana in Bareilly forgot who holds power in the state and assumed he could disrupt the system at will.”

  • He further asserted that the action taken by the government would act as a lesson for future generations, preventing recurrence of such incidents.

Adityanath also contrasted the present situation with conditions before 2017, noting that his administration has not allowed curfews to be imposed since coming to power. He accused past governments of protecting rioters and mafias, alleging they were even “honoured” and “welcomed” by political leaders.

Community and Political Context

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, a descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan, founder of the Barelvi sect, has been politically active in Bareilly and nearby districts for over two decades. His influence extends to followers of the Barelvi school of Sunni Islam, particularly around the Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat, a key religious site.

The violence erupted near the Islamia ground and adjoining mosque in Bareilly. As crowds attempted to march toward the Islamia Inter College ground, police efforts to stop them at Khalil Tiraha triggered stone pelting, vandalism of vehicles, and property damage.

Law and Order Action

The Bareilly administration confirmed suspension of internet services in the district to curb further spread of misinformation. Police are also scrutinizing phones of the cleric and his supporters to determine their involvement in the orchestration of the violence.

Chief Minister Adityanath conducted a video conference with senior officials, directing them to maintain strict law and order and pursue strong legal action against perpetrators.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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