Tensions erupted on Friday as Uttar Pradesh Police resorted to a lathi charge on Muslim protesters who pelted stones following Friday prayers in Bareilly. The protesters had gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, holding placards reading “I Love Muhammad” amid heavy security at both locations.
Flag marches and preventive measures
IG Ajay Sahni stated that police were conducting a flag march when some miscreants came onto the streets shouting slogans. “We are all on the streets. There is complete peace. There is no disorder of any kind… Their arrest will be ensured,” he told ANI.
Authorities had already carried out a flag march on Thursday in anticipation of the protest call by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who announced a sit-in at Islamia Ground regarding the poster controversy. The march, led by District Magistrate Avinash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya, included police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and paramilitary personnel. Officials said the exercise aimed to send a strong message that any attempt to disturb peace would not be tolerated.
“The district is under Section 163, so no protest can be held without permission,” DM Singh added.
Heavy deployment and security measures
The five-kilometre flag march passed through key points, including Bihari Pur police outpost, Kutubkhana, Ala Hazrat Dargah, Malookpur, and the city vegetable market. SP City Manush Pareek, SP South Anshika Verma, SP North Mukesh Chandra Mishra, SP Crime, SP Traffic, City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, ADM, SDM, COs, women SOG members, and around 50 inspectors participated in the exercise. Officials appealed to residents to maintain peace and comply with the law.
Background of the controversy
The protests were triggered by the “I Love Muhammad” posters that emerged during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur. Right-wing Hindu groups raised objections, calling it a “deviation from tradition.” FIRs were filed, and the row spread to several districts in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Uttarakhand and Karnataka, prompting protests, poster removals, and police action.
Earlier, at a press conference, Maulana Tauqeer Raza cited alleged derogatory remarks against the Prophet in various parts of the country, including Shahjahanpur. He warned that the protest would proceed “at any cost,” leading to the heavy security deployment and preventive measures in Bareilly.