Bareilly: 48-Hour Internet Shutdown as Tight Security Covers Friday Prayers

Tension in Bareilly: Following last Friday's violence, the administration in Bareilly has implemented strict security arrangements for Friday prayers today. A week has passed since the "I Love Mohammad" controversy, but the police have virtually turned the city into a cantonment to maintain normalcy. A heavy police force, along with PAC and RAF personnel, has been deployed in sensitive areas of the city. Police presence is clearly visible at every street corner. Six drone teams have been deployed to monitor the situation.

Internet shut down for 48 hours

To prevent the spread of rumors, the administration has shut down internet services in Bareilly for 48 hours. Officials said security arrangements have been made by dividing the city into five zones.

8,000 personnel deployed, 13 COs in charge

According to the district administration, 13 COs and 250 inspectors have been deployed for security. A total of 8,000 personnel, along with approximately 3,000 additional police personnel, are patrolling the entire city.

Special Vigil at 9 Mahala Mosque

The administration is keeping a close watch on the 9 Mahala Mosque, where Maulana Tauqeer Raza used to offer prayers. Security arrangements are the tightest here. Additional CCTV cameras have also been installed in several areas.

Appeal for Peace from the Dargah

Dargah Aala Hazrat spokespersons Nasir Qureshi and Maulana Ehsan Raza Khan have appealed to people to return home directly after prayers and not to succumb to any rumors or provocations. They said that the 11th Sharif procession scheduled for October 4th has been postponed to maintain peace.

#WATCH | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | On 'Jumme ki Namaz', Dargah Ala Hazrat's spokesperson Nasir Qureshi says, "...The Gyarvi Sharif procession is scheduled to take place in Bareilly on October 4, 2025. It has been decided that this procession will not be taken out tomorrow...Peace… pic.twitter.com/yPQ9JJLUG3

— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025

Many Injured in Last Week's Violence

It is noteworthy that last Friday, more than 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area. Stone-pelting and lathi-charge ensued, resulting in injuries to several people and policemen.