Bareilly security measures have reached unprecedented levels as Uttar Pradesh authorities prepare for Friday prayers amid lingering tensions from the ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy that erupted last week. The district administration has suspended internet services across four districts and deployed massive security forces to prevent any recurrence of the violent clashes that shook the city.
The heightened security comes after over 2,000 demonstrators clashed with police outside a prominent mosque following the abrupt cancellation of a planned demonstration by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan. The violence resulted in stone-pelting, property damage, and the arrest of 81 individuals, prompting authorities to take extraordinary precautionary measures.
Internet services have been suspended from Thursday 3 PM until Saturday 3 PM across Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts. The suspension covers mobile data, broadband connections, SMS services, and all wireless communications to prevent the spread of rumors and inflammatory content on social media platforms during the sensitive Dussehra period.
Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and local police units have been strategically positioned throughout sensitive areas of Bareilly. Drones are conducting aerial surveillance while the city has been divided into eight special security zones with dedicated force deployment for each sector.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued stern warnings to all administrative officials about maintaining order. “All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action,” he declared.
The controversy began when Tauqeer Raza Khan called for a demonstration supporting the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign, drawing thousands to gather outside the mosque. However, his last-minute announcement canceling the event due to lack of official permission triggered immediate anger among the assembled crowd, leading to violent confrontations with security forces.
Senior religious leader Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan of Ala Hazrat Dargah has appealed for calm, urging Muslims to return home peacefully after offering Friday prayers. “Every Muslim, after offering Friday prayers, must return to their homes. Do not pay heed to rumors. Maintain peace,” he stated in his public appeal.
Security arrangements extend beyond Bareilly, with neighboring districts also placed on high alert to prevent the spread of communal tensions. Armed police forces are positioned at all sensitive locations, particularly near Ramleela grounds where Dussehra celebrations are scheduled to take place.
The administration has also reportedly placed prominent political figures including Congress leaders Danish Ali and Imran Masood under house arrest to prevent their participation in any potential protests. Both leaders have criticized the move as politically motivated suppression of dissent.
Local markets remain largely deserted as residents stay indoors due to safety concerns. The Old City areas around religious sites continue to witness heavy police patrolling, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty among the community members who are still recovering from last week’s traumatic events.
