Violence Erupts In Bareilly After ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protest, Police Lathi-Charge Crowd

Violence broke out in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday (26 September) after several protesters gathered near a mosque following prayers in support of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign, called by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, chief of Ittehad-e-Millat Council, reported Hindustan Times.

Police moved in to disperse the crowd, but some protesters began pelting stones, prompting officers to use force.

The unrest spread near Khalil Higher Secondary School, where protesters vandalised vehicles, escalating tensions.

Police later lathi‑charged the crowd.

Authorities placed Maulana Tauqeer Raza under house arrest before the protests.

Raza, a direct descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan, founder of the Barelvi sect, had reportedly earlier warned the protest would happen “at any cost,” but later announced its suspension after authorities denied permission.

Angry over the decision, protesters gathered around Raza’s residence and a nearby mosque with banners reading ‘I Love Muhammad’.

According to a PTI report, Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh said, “A few days ago, an organisation had proposed holding a march on Friday and submitting a memorandum in support of a protest. We had informed it that if it was to take any such action, it would need to obtain written permission first… The situation is completely under control. I request everyone not to pay attention to any rumours.”

Bareilly DIG AK Sahni said, “Law enforcement authorities had been engaging with people, urging them to conduct prayers peacefully. But, a group of agitators suddenly emerged… Comprehensive video and photographic evidence of the incident was captured… Disturbances occurred at three or four locations, resulting in injuries to over 10 police officers. Investigations suggest a premeditated conspiracy.”

Police have arrested several participants and say the situation is now under control.

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