Uttar Pradesh Minister J.P.S. Rathore announced on Saturday, October 4, 2025, that police forces have successfully prevented any attempts to reignite violence in Bareilly. He further stated that opposition leaders are allegedly planning visits to the city ‘to shed tears for rioters’ and intentionally ‘vitiate the atmosphere.’
Rathore emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order in Bareilly, declaring that no individual would be permitted to disrupt the city’s calm. He affirmed that a state of complete peace now prevails.
The statement comes after September 26, when violent clashes erupted between locals and police in central Bareilly. This followed Friday prayers and the cancellation of a scheduled protest concerning ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters, resulting in multiple injuries.
In response to the unrest, police have filed ten First Information Reports (FIRs) and identified hundreds of individuals, many still unnamed, in connection with the violence. Over 70 people, including prominent cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, his associates, and several relatives, have been apprehended.
Criticizing the opposition fiercely, Minister Rathore highlighted that Samajwadi Party leaders are reportedly gearing up to visit Bareilly. He suggested their intention is to ‘shed tears for the same rioters who attempted to harm police personnel and innocent citizens.’
Rathore’s statement underscored that prompt police intervention successfully prevented further incitement of violence. He explicitly declared that any planned visits by opposition Members of Parliament and leaders to Bareilly are part of a deliberate ‘conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere.’
He questioned the motives behind such visits, asking, ‘For whom are they going to Bareilly? For those who defied the law, engaged in stone-pelting, and assaulted the police?’ The minister assured that police actions caused no harm to innocent individuals, with arrests targeting only those who violated the law.
Rathore, who also serves as the Minister of State (independent charge) for Cooperative, suggested that opposition parties hoped to gain political mileage if Bareilly descended into chaos. However, he credited the administration’s decisive and strict measures with effectively countering these attempts.
He claimed that the public is now fully aware of political factions that seek gains from tragedy, asserting that those who previously championed the Constitution are now allegedly attempting to undermine law and order and propagate violence.
‘Lawbreakers will face no leniency, and no one will be allowed to disturb the peace,’ he declared, adding that the residents of Bareilly are currently enjoying a peaceful life within their homes.
Rathore affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no external elements can disrupt the prevailing peaceful environment.
In his statement, he concluded by noting, ‘Currently, the situation in Bareilly is entirely normal. Markets are operational, traffic flows smoothly, and the police maintain vigilant surveillance. The administration anticipates a full return to calm in the days ahead.’
Minister Rathore reiterated that certain individuals, particularly Tauqeer Raza and his followers, actively attempted to instigate violence.
He detailed how the administration had maintained continuous communication with these groups. However, around 11 p.m., a letter was circulated declaring the cancellation of any planned protest or procession. Yet, by 1:30 a.m., counter-claims emerged, alleging the letter was fabricated.
Subsequently, a large crowd gathered in the streets, shouting ‘provocative slogans,’ including ‘I love Muhammad’ and ‘Sar Tan Se Juda,’ according to Rathore.
Rathore stated that the rioters then tried to destabilize the atmosphere by hurling bricks, stones, and petrol bombs. However, the police promptly intervened with strict measures, bringing the situation under immediate control.
He praised the police for their timely and controlled response, which prevented harm to innocent citizens. He asserted that without their intervention, the situation could have escalated significantly.
‘Under previous administrations, such anarchic elements would set cities ablaze,’ he remarked, recalling that ‘in 2010, Bareilly endured months of curfew. However, under our current government, such lawlessness will not be tolerated.’
Minister Rathore warned that severe legal action would be taken against anyone chanting slogans like ‘Sar Tan Se Juda,’ emphasizing that peace and the rule of law are paramount under the Yogi Adityanath government.
He revealed that authorities recovered petrol bombs, weapons, and explosives from rioters, who had reportedly stockpiled these items in their homes with the intent to attack police and civilians. Rathore concluded by highlighting that the police not only subdued the rioters but also protected the lives of ordinary citizens.