New Delhi: Congress MP Imran Masood was placed under house arrest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday as he prepared to lead a party delegation to Bareilly, where tensions remain high after recent violence triggered by a controversial religious poster.
Prevented from visiting Bareilly
Masood was scheduled to head a Congress delegation to meet Bareilly’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and assess the situation on the ground. However, local authorities intervened, citing security concerns and the fragile law and order situation in the region.
“Given the prevailing tensions, we could not allow him to leave Saharanpur,” said a senior police official, confirming that Masood was placed under house arrest. The party has not yet issued an official response to the action taken against its MP.
The Bareilly violence
Violence erupted in Bareilly on Friday following protests that began soon after Friday prayers. More than 1,000 people gathered near Islamia Ground, carrying banners and shouting slogans, after a call by cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.
The immediate trigger was an FIR filed in Kanpur over a Barawafat poster carrying the message “I Love Muhammad.” According to police, what started as a demonstration soon turned violent, with sections of the crowd pelting stones, damaging vehicles, and even firing in the air.
The police resorted to lathi charge and used tear gas shells to disperse the mob, leading to a stampede-like situation. At least 10 police personnel were reported injured in the clashes.
Arrests and police action
In the aftermath of the violence, police detained around 50 individuals, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. Multiple FIRs were registered across police stations in Bareilly. Authorities are currently examining video footage and monitoring phone records to identify other suspects involved in the unrest.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath strongly condemned the violence. “Every miscreant should be identified and arrested,” he said, instructing officials to use video evidence and social media monitoring to track down those responsible.
Religious leaders appeal for peace
Even as tensions persist, religious leaders from various communities have urged people to maintain calm. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, appealed to the public not to resort to violence. “The Prophet’s message is one of peace — let us honour that by maintaining harmony,” he said.
Local community leaders also warned against rumour-mongering and attempts to incite further unrest, especially with major festivals like Dussehra approaching.
Security tightened in sensitive areas
Security has been intensified across Bareilly and neighbouring districts. Flag marches have been conducted, and additional police forces have been deployed around religious sites, marketplaces, and public areas.
Authorities have imposed restrictions under Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings in order to prevent fresh flare-ups. Social media activity is also being closely monitored to curb the spread of inflammatory content.
Conclusion
The decision to place Congress MP Imran Masood under house arrest underscores the administration’s concerns about maintaining order in Uttar Pradesh following the Bareilly violence. While the opposition party is yet to comment formally on the move, the incident reflects the tense atmosphere in the state. With security forces on high alert and religious leaders calling for peace, authorities hope to prevent further escalation as investigations continue.