News Brief
Cleric’s Aide Held, Internet Ban Extended In Bareilly After ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protest Violence
Protest Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ (X)
Bareilly police on Monday (29 September) detained Nadeem, a close aide of cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan, in connection with the Friday (26 September) violence that erupted during a protest in support of the ‘I love Muhammad’ campaign, The Hindu reported.
According to police, Nadeem conspired to mobilise the protest. “Nadeem allegedly orchestrated the protest. The individual called 55 people through WhatsApp, who then mobilised a crowd of around 1,600 people,” Bareilly police said.
The unrest broke out on Friday (26 September) after Khan’s call to assemble at the Islamia ground was denied permission by the authorities. Following Friday prayers, his supporters clashed with police and locals in central Bareilly.
On 27 September, Khan and seven others were arrested.
In total, 39 people have been detained so far, and ten FIRs have been filed across the district. Police have begun door-to-door checks and are analysing CCTV and video footage to track more accused.
Drone surveillance has also been deployed in sensitive localities. Officials confirmed that Internet services, SMS, and broadband will remain suspended until midnight on 30 September midnight.
The Home Department order, signed by Secretary Gaurav Dayal, said the step was taken “in order to prevent the possible misuse of the above-mentioned media and Internet to disturb the peace and tranquility of the entire district and create further law and order situation.”
Meanwhile, the Opposition criticised the crackdown. Congress leader Shahnawaz Alam alleged, “The way the police is taking sides and criminalising a particular community signifies a broader shift in the role of police... The most shocking aspect is the silence of the judiciary.”
