Bareilly, September 26: After Friday prayers in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, a clash broke out over the “I Love Muhammad” poster. When police attempted to control the deteriorating situation, protesters began pelting stones. Police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas shells to control the rioters.
During this time, police and district officials also took charge with force. As a precaution, force has been deployed and surveillance is being done with drones. Police have identified and arrested several rioters.
DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni said that Muslims were going to gather at Islamia Maidan in Bareilly at the call of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Their aim was to submit a memorandum to the administration on the “I Love Muhammad” issue. Earlier, on September 4, police in Kanpur arrested several Muslim youth for displaying “I Love Muhammad” posters and banners.
According to the DIG, police attempted to stop people who were going to protest after ‘Jumma ki Namaz’ on the same issue. Despite the administration’s cancellation of permission, hundreds of people took to the streets. Near Khalil School, the crowd began shouting slogans with banners and flags. Meanwhile, some miscreants attempted to disrupt the atmosphere. The situation quickly escalated. When police tried to stop them, the protesters began pelting stones. Subsequently, the rioters damaged two bikes and vandalized a shop. Police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas shells to control the rioters. This sudden uproar caused shop shutters to fall in Alamgir Ganj, Bansmandi, Bada Bazaar, Qutub Hana, and Biharipur. Stones, broken slippers, and vehicle windows were strewn across the road. The stampede escalated, spiraling out of control from Khalil Tiraha to Biharipur Chowki. The crowd repeatedly attempted to retreat, but was repelled by the police.
Senior officials, including District Magistrate Avinash Singh and SSP Anurag Arya, remained on the scene and took charge. A heavy police presence has been deployed at intersections and streets, transforming the city into a police cantonment. Additional forces have also been deployed.
As per the district officials, situation is being monitored by drones in the riot area. The UP Police were already on alert in anticipation of Friday prayers. A heavy police presence has been deployed outside mosques, and vehicle checks are underway.
Meanwhile, due to the potential for violence, roadways buses passing through Shyamganj and Kuhadapi were suspended. Markets were also closed due to rumors and fear of violence. Police made repeated announcements urging people to maintain peace.
Officials clearly stated that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. The situation was brought under control due to the prompt action of the police and administration, but tension and panic still persist in the area.