Bareilly On High Alert, Internet Shut Ahead Of Friday Prayers Amid ‘I Love Muhammad’ Poster Row

Security has been tightened in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly ahead of Friday prayers, following last week’s violent clashes over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row, the Hindustan Times reported.

The city witnessed unrest after cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan called for a demonstration that was later cancelled, leading to stone-pelting and confrontations between around 2,000 protestors and police.

Eighty-one people were arrested.

Internet services, including mobile data, broadband, SMS, and wireless connections, will remain suspended in Bareilly and three other districts until 3 pm on Saturday (4 October).

Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said the clampdown aims to prevent the spread of rumours and communal tension through social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

Security has also been intensified with police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed on the streets, and drones monitoring sensitive areas.

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary said, “All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action.”

A high alert has also been issued for Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts.

An official said, “Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that the disturbances witnessed in Bareilly do not spill over to neighbouring districts.”

Ahead of prayers, Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan, senior cleric of Ala Hazrat Dargah, appealed for peace, urging local Muslims to return home after offering prayers.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Dussehra and Durga Puja festivities coincide with heightened tensions in the region.

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