Tauqeer Raza: Cleric, Politician, And Mastermind Behind Bareilly Violence With Long History Of Controversy

National News: Bareilly witnessed violent clashes after Friday prayers when a procession turned hostile. Police and protesters clashed, with heavy stone pelting and firing reported. Ten people were booked for rioting. Among them, Tauqeer Raza emerged as the main accused. Police quickly arrested him, calling him the mastermind. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni said social media was used to mobilize the mob. Weapons and stones were recovered in large numbers.

Religious Leader And Politician

Tauqeer’s full name is Tauqeer Raza Khan. He is not only a Maulana but also a Muslim political leader. He heads the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). His grandfather was the great-grandson of Ahmed Raza Khan, founder of the Barelvi movement. Tauqeer claims to represent Muslim interests. He inherited politics and religious clout from his family. His influence stretches across Bareilly and nearby districts.

Past Role In 2010 Riots

Tauqeer Raza was previously accused of instigating riots in Bareilly in 2010. The case against him is still pending in court. This incident had stained his image as a religious leader. Despite legal battles, he continued to expand his political base. His role in repeated violence has brought him under constant police radar. The 2010 riots remain one of the darkest chapters in Bareilly’s history.

Controversial Conversion Demand Raised

In July this year, Tauqeer again hit headlines. He sought permission to convert 20 young men and women to Islam. He claimed eight girls and fifteen boys expressed this wish. According to him, all were already married. He even planned to perform Nikah ceremonies alongside conversion. This sparked a heated debate in administrative and political circles. Many criticized the move as provocative and risky.

Political Journey Across Parties

Tauqeer formed Ittehad-e-Millat Parishad in 2001. His party secured 10 seats in Bareilly municipal polls. In 2009, he joined Congress but soon switched to the Samajwadi Party in 2012. His party won Bhojipura constituency. In 2013, Akhilesh Yadav appointed him vice-president of Handloom Corporation. After Muzaffarnagar riots, he resigned from SP. Later, he supported BSP in 2014 but lost badly. His shifting loyalties earned him criticism.

Creating New Organizations For Influence

In 2015, Tauqeer floated the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMMPLB). This was seen as another attempt to consolidate his following. His political base shrank but his religious influence remained intact. He used rallies, speeches, and social networks to remain visible. His name kept surfacing in controversies linked to communal tensions. Authorities kept watch on his activities. His repeated attempts at power raised eyebrows.

Present Arrest Adds To Legacy

Now, with the Bareilly violence over the ‘I Love Mohammad’ poster, his controversial journey takes another turn. Police say he is the mastermind, and evidence includes social media chats. Internet was shut down to prevent rumors after his arrest. Heavy forces were deployed in sensitive areas to restore calm. For many, this incident is not surprising given his history. His arrest marks another chapter in Bareilly’s troubled timeline.