Bareilly Unrest Deepens: Bulldozers Roll, Dozens Arrested, and Crackdown Intensifies
BAREILLY: The tension in Bareilly continues to escalate as the city reels under the aftershocks of the “I Love Muhammad” poster controversy.
What began as a local flare-up has now spiraled into a major law-and-order crisis, prompting one of the harshest crackdowns in recent times.
The administration has unleashed bulldozers on structures linked to cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s aides and sealed several shops, homes, and banquet halls allegedly tied to the unrest.
Authorities claim these demolitions target illegal constructions and electricity theft, but community leaders argue it is a thinly veiled campaign of intimidation.
Wave of Arrests and Midnight Raids
On Tuesday, police arrested Dr. Nafees, the National General Secretary of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), along with his son Furman and District President Shamshad. In total, 19 people were taken into custody.
Among them, a key accused named Tajim was caught in an encounter on Bisalpur Road. Police say he opened fire, injuring a constable, before being shot in the leg. Numerous motorcycles and mobile phones were recovered from him.
Sixteen other accused, including Shamshad, were immediately sent to jail. Later at night, Dr. Nafees and his son were arrested in what witnesses described as a “covert midnight raid.”
The three will be produced in court on Wednesday as police continue interrogations.
Electricity Theft and Bulldozer Action
The administration has also widened its net beyond arrests. The electricity department filed cases of power theft against several close relatives of Maulana Tauqeer Raza.
Among those named are local councillor Oman Raza Khan, former councillor Mohammad Nadeem, and others such as Barqat Raza Khan, Mohsin Raza Khan, Waseem Khan, Mohammad Haseen, and Yasin Miyan.
A massive bulldozer operation targeted a charging station allegedly used to power dozens of e-rickshaws daily through illegal electricity connections. Locals watched in shock as bulldozers tore through walls and shops, turning entire structures into rubble within minutes.
Fresh Arrests After Shootouts
The crackdown intensified further with the arrest of Idris and Iqbal, both accused of snatching an anti-riot gun from police personnel and attempting to fire on officers during the violence. They were injured in an encounter, and weapons were recovered.
Adding to the high-profile arrests, Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s son-in-law, Mohsin Ra, has also been detained. His marriage lawn was demolished after being declared illegal construction.
Police sources now confirm that the violence was not spontaneous but planned at least five days. Posters and provocative messages were reportedly circulated on social media platforms to mobilize crowds.
The state government is preparing to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against the accused to ensure prolonged detention.
Administrative Lockdown
Bareilly’s District Magistrate Avinash Singh announced strict enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), effectively banning public gatherings without prior permission.
Security has been tightened, with heavy deployment of forces, drone surveillance, and internet restrictions in sensitive zones.
Over 73 arrests have been made so far, and authorities say the crackdown is far from over. Eight more properties linked to Maulana’s aides have been identified for demolition.
Political and Religious Pushback
The actions have triggered strong reactions. Members of the Ala Hazrat family have accused police of brutality, alleging that Muslims are being unfairly targeted, imams and worshippers are being harassed, and injured detainees are paraded before the media to create a spectacle.
Congress MP Imran Masood, who attempted to visit Bareilly to assess the situation, has been placed under house arrest. He claims he only intended to “ensure peace and meet victims,” but was barred from leaving his residence.
The controversy has now transcended Bareilly, becoming a national flashpoint — a battleground between the state government’s “law and order” stance and community leaders’ claims of religious persecution.
Collateral Damage: Weddings in Limbo
In a bizarre twist, over 600 weddings have been thrown into uncertainty after several banquet halls and marriage lawns were sealed in connection with the crackdown. Families who had booked venues are now scrambling for alternatives, highlighting how the crackdown is spilling into civilian life.
Social Media Angle
Even digital voices have not been spared. Popular YouTuber “Mobin Bareilly”, known for comedy skits, was arrested for allegedly spreading provocative content linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. His detention has sparked heated debates online about freedom of expression and selective targeting.
The Larger Picture
The bulldozer politics, arrests of clerical figures, imposition of stringent laws, and accusations of religious profiling paint a grim picture of Bareilly’s present.
While the government insists these measures are necessary to “restore peace and deter rioters,” critics argue that entire communities are being punished collectively.
As the dust rises from bulldozed buildings and the echoes of sirens haunt Bareilly’s nights, one thing is clear: this conflict is no longer just about a poster — it has morphed into a test of state authority, minority rights, and the fragile fabric of communal harmony in Uttar Pradesh.
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