In a decisive move following recent unrest, Bareilly police on Tuesday (September 30, 2025), apprehended Maulana Mohsin Raza, the son-in-law of prominent Islamic cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s elder brother, Mannani Miya. Concurrently, authorities launched demolition proceedings against properties allegedly connected to Raza, citing their role in violent protests that erupted on September 26. These targeted actions included the dismantling of an illegal garage built over a drainage system on encroached land. Furthermore, officials sealed a marriage lawn belonging to Haji Sharafat Khan, another associate of the influential cleric.
Evidence of Violence Uncovered
Anurag Arya, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Bareilly, confirmed that a significant cache of items—including stones, damaged police barricades, blades, spent cartridges, and sticks—was confiscated from various sites. He emphasized that an in-depth analysis of CCTV footage and other video evidence is ongoing to identify all those involved.
To maintain peace and prevent further disturbances, authorities have implemented stringent security measures. Police personnel, alongside the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), conducted visible flag marches throughout Bareilly and its surrounding areas on Tuesday. Additionally, drones are being deployed in certain localities to enhance surveillance and monitor the situation closely.
The catalyst for the September 26 violence was the call for protests by Islamic cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, leader of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council. These demonstrations were sparked by allegations of derogatory language used against the Prophet in various regions, including Shahjahanpur, and a contentious “I Love Muhammad” poster displayed during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpur. The controversial poster led to the Kanpur police filing cases against 24 individuals, following strong objections from right-wing Hindu groups who deemed it a departure from established traditions.
