At around 3 p.m., after Friday prayers, hundreds of people emerged from the narrow lanes and gathered at Khalil Tiraha, attempting to march towards Islamia Ground. When the police tried to stop them, the crowd turned aggressive and began pelting stones.
In response, SP City Manush Parikh ordered a baton charge, dispersing the mob. During the chaos, two motorcycles and the clinic of a dentist were vandalized.
Ten Policemen Injured, More than 50 Miscreants Arrested
Bareilly: During the unrest, more than ten policemen sustained injuries, including SP Manush Parikh, who himself was hurt. Some policemen were wounded due to pellet injuries. To control the mob, the police fired 20 rounds of tear gas shells. Over 50 miscreants were arrested in connection with the violence.
Desecration of Religious Sites in Meerut’s Daurala
Meerut/Daurala: In Sakauti village under Daurala area, anti-social elements damaged two religious structures on Ruhasa Road and one religious site on Nangli Jeetpur Road. The incident occurred late at night.
On Friday morning, when the news spread, residents grew agitated. Circle Officer Daurala and the local Inspector immediately reached the spot with a police force. Videography of all three damaged sites was conducted, and a complaint (FIR) was lodged against an unknown accused.
Background of Bareilly Violence
Bareilly, Chief Correspondent: Before the violence in Bareilly on Friday, IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza had released a video message stating that he would offer prayers at the Naumahla Mosque.
As part of a pre-decided strategy, Friday prayers in several mosques of the city were deliberately delayed. Around 2:30 p.m., members of a particular community came out onto the streets carrying posters and banners with the message “I Love Muhammad”, chanting slogans.
After prayers, a massive crowd emerged from the lanes and proceeded to Khalil Tiraha, attempting to move towards Islamia Ground.
When the police attempted to stop them, the crowd turned violent and began stone-throwing. SP City Manush Parikh, along with police personnel, conducted a baton charge and dispersed them. During the stampede, two bikes and a dentist’s clinic were vandalized.
When the crowd later tried to march from Novelty Crossing towards Islamia Ground, police again dispersed them by brandishing batons.
Another group approaching from Kutubkhana hurled stones at policemen stationed on Mahadev Bridge and also at SP City, who was standing below the bridge.
The police retaliated by firing four tear gas shells, eventually dispersing the mob. Out of fear, shopkeepers hurriedly shut their shops and locked themselves inside.
Legal Response
The Muslim Students’ Organization of India and Varza Academy jointly filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court. The petition challenged the multiple cases registered and arrests made over posters displaying devotional messages like “I Love Muhammad”.
Political Response
Akhilesh Yadav, National President of the Samajwadi Party, criticized the lathi-charge in Bareilly. He said that when a government displays its strength through force, it only reflects its weakness. He emphasized that governments are not run by baton charges but by harmony and goodwill.
Heightened Vigilance in Deoria
Amid the controversy over banners with the message “I Love Muhammad”, such posters were also put up in Basti and Deoria districts. Anticipating unrest, the police administration heightened security on Friday during the Jumuah prayers. However, the situation in both districts remained peaceful.
Tensions in Aligarh
The controversy surrounding “I Love Muhammad” posters also sparked tension in Aligarh on Friday. Posters were put up in several areas, but the police quickly removed them to restore calm. Meanwhile, in another provocative incident, “Jai Shri Ram” was written on the wall of the Eidgah located in Udla Ilyaspur area of the city, further adding to tensions.
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