Bareilly Violence: Maulana Tauqir Raza Held, 48-Hour Internet Ban Imposed

Bareilly violence: The atmosphere suddenly deteriorated due to the 'I Love Mohammed' poster controversy in Bareilly district of UP on Friday. After the Namaz, hundreds of people came out on the streets and violent clashes started. There were incidents like stone pelting and arson, in which policemen were targeted. After this ruckus, tension spread throughout the area. To bring the situation under control, the district administration took tough steps and completely suspended the Internet and Telecom services from 12:30 pm to 12:30 pm on September 27. Officials say this step was necessary to prevent rumors from spreading.

Eight people arrested including Maulana Tauqir Raza

The police have taken major action regarding the violence. On Saturday, the police arrested eight people, including Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan. Maulana Tauqir Raza has been accused of inciting violence and plotting. According to SSP Anurag Arya, 10 FIRs have been registered so far. These include 5 in Kotwali, 2 in Baradari and 1-1 in the fort, Premnagar and Cantt police stations. Apart from this, 39 people are being questioned in custody. According to sources, Maulana Tauqir Raza has been shifted to Fatehgarh Central Jail late Saturday night for security reasons. He was secretly taken there after presenting him in court. In view of his influx, the jail administration is also on alert mode.

Arms & petrol bomb recovered from the site

During a press conference Bareilly SSP and DM informed about the evidence found from the spot. He said that the police have found a large amount of stones, shoes piles, cartridges kiosks, live cartridges, a pistol, sticks and empty bottles of petrol odor. Police believe that this entire incident of violence was the result of a pre-planned conspiracy. People were collected through social media and then the plan for the attack was carried out.

22 policemen injured, SIT constituted for investigation

Bareilly range DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni said that 22 policemen were injured in the violence. Both stone pelting and firing occurred, in which several soldiers suffered serious injuries. He said that the people involved in the violence are being identified and action will be taken on the basis of evidence. The Yogi government has formed a 10 -member Special Investigation Team (SIT) in this case. This SIT will investigate the entire incident in depth and submit the report.

CM Yogi's strong message to the rioters

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a tough stance on violence and said, "Some people in Bareilly had forgotten whose rule is there in Uttar Pradesh. Neither will there be jams nor will curfew conditions be allowed. The miscreants will be taught a lesson that even seven generations to come will not dare to riot." He clearly said that the government will not compromise with law and order and the rioters will be punished strictly.

Government Faces Opposition Fire

Politics has also heated up over the violence. Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra demanded a sitting judge to conduct an inquiry into the incident. He said that the police brutally lathi-charged innocent people, which should be investigated impartially. At the same time, Congress leader Rashid Alvi said that there is a big conspiracy behind this whole matter. He alleged that the BJP can benefit from the violence and hence it is necessary to investigate it deeply.

Demand for rioters' encounter

Shishir Chaturvedi, spokesperson of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, took a very tough stand on the rioters and demanded an encounter. He said that no matter what a person is, if he spreads violence, he should not be spared.

Government's message - Zero tolerance for violence

State Minister Sanjay Nishad said that there is no place for those who commit violence in Uttar Pradesh. "The Yogi government's resolve is to make the state a riot-free, corruption -free and crime-free. Those who do not have to live with the rules will be sent behind bars."

Sensitive Situation, tight security

Currently the atmosphere in Bareilly is tense but under control. Additional police forces have been deployed and security has been increased in the entire district. The administration has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors and to cooperate in maintaining law and order. Bareilly violence has made it clear that even a small spark can take the form of a big ruckus. In such a situation, it is a big challenge to restore peace in front of the administration and maintain the trust of the public.