Bareilly Unrest: Police Interrogation Reveals Plot Behind the Violence, Political Tensions Escalate
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – The truth behind the recent violent unrest in Bareilly is gradually emerging. Dr. Nafees, a jailed leader of the Islamic Movement Council (IMC), made a significant revelation during police interrogation, implicating key figures in orchestrating the chaos.
According to Nafees, young IMC leader Altamash Raza played a pivotal role in inciting the unrest, while Farhat, Munir, and Nadeem repeatedly provoked Maulana Taufiq, fueling the conspiracy behind the violence.
Attempts to Prevent the Violence
During questioning in the presence of SSP Anurag Arya and SP City, Nafees admitted that his lifelong reputation had been tarnished in these events and announced his intention to resign from the party upon release.
He revealed that he had tried to restrain Maulana Taufiq from joining the unrest. However, Altamash and his associates were determined to escalate tensions rather than back down.
Nafees further stated that it was Altamash who called for gathering crowds and marching to the streets.
Even when Nafees and Nadeem issued notices to halt the congregation, Altamash dismissed them as fake and posted new messages to mobilize the masses.
Incendiary Social Media Posts
Altamash, using the title of IMC Youth President on social media, declared that the previous notice was fake and aimed at misleading the public.
His post explicitly urged participants to march to the Islamia College grounds after Friday prayers, shouting slogans of support for Maulana Taufiq. This message served as a direct provocation that led to widespread fear and chaos on Bareilly’s streets.
Altamash Raza Still At Large
While Nafees and his son Farman remain in jail, Altamash Raza continues to evade police. Authorities have declared him wanted and intensified their search. Police also conducted a raid at his residence in Premnagar, but he was not found.
Political Tensions and Administrative Measures
Meanwhile, tensions escalated when the Uttar Pradesh administration blocked a delegation of Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders attempting to visit Bareilly to meet the victims of the September 26 violence, connected to the ‘I Love Mohammad’ controversy.
At the Ghaziabad border, leaders Ikra Hasan and Mohibullah Nadvi were stopped, while SP MP Ziaur Rahman Bark was placed under house arrest in Sambhal.
Ikra Hasan criticized the preventive measures, likening the situation in UP to a “de facto emergency.” She questioned the double standard in handling expressions of devotion, arguing that slogans or writings honoring Hindu deities face no restrictions, while expressions related to Islam are being suppressed.
The SP delegation’s stated aim was solely to meet victims, understand their grievances, and raise public concerns. However, internet services in Bareilly remain suspended, with the administration citing security concerns.
Police Action in Bareilly
Following the September 26 riots, authorities have registered 10 FIRs and arrested 81 individuals. Of approximately 2,500 participants, 200 have been specifically named. Police have identified Maulana Taufiq Raza as the mastermind behind the unrest, asserting that the violence was premeditated.
The Bareilly unrest highlights the complex interplay of political, religious, and social factors that can escalate into large-scale violence. While law enforcement continues to pursue the main perpetrators, questions regarding freedom of expression, administrative overreach, and political accountability remain at the forefront.
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