Bareilly police have announced the apprehension of two individuals allegedly involved in the September 26 violence. The arrests followed a dramatic encounter in the C.B. Ganj area on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, marking a continued crackdown on suspected instigators and their networks.
Both suspects sustained bullet injuries during the confrontation and are currently receiving medical treatment while in police custody, according to a senior officer.
These arrests come after similar operations on Tuesday, September 30, which saw the detention of Shamsad, the district chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), and another suspect named Tajeem, following separate police encounters. The total number of arrests related to the unrest has now surpassed 70.
Previously, the Uttar Pradesh Police had arrested Dr. Nafis, a close associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, after questioning, an event which was widely reported.
Among those already detained are IMC chief cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, several of his associates, and at least one family member.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya confirmed on Wednesday, October 1, that the newly arrested individuals, identified as Idrees and Iqbal, are originally from the neighboring Shahjahanpur district. They are believed to have played active roles in the violence that broke out in the Kotwali area last week.
SSP Arya detailed that their apprehension followed a brief exchange of gunfire with police, during which both suspects sustained bullet injuries. They were hospitalized for treatment and remain in custody.
The SSP revealed that Idrees has an extensive criminal history, with 20 cases registered against him for offenses including theft, dacoity, and violations under the Gangsters Act and Arms Act. Iqbal also faces a significant record, with approximately 17 similar charges.
Furthermore, authorities recovered a government-issued anti-riot gun, reportedly snatched from police personnel during the unrest, from the arrested duo. Two illegal country-made .315 bore pistols, spent cartridges, and live ammunition were also seized from the encounter site.
SSP Arya also stated that Idrees and Iqbal were in communication with Nadeem Khan, a known associate of IMC chief cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, who is already incarcerated.
“Nadeem had summoned them to Bareilly on the day of the incident. Both Idrees and Iqbal possess significant criminal histories,” Mr. Arya explained. “Our initial investigation had already pointed to the involvement of external and criminal elements in the September 26 incident, a fact now unequivocally confirmed.”
He asserted that the violence was a calculated effort to disrupt public order during a sensitive religious event.
“Both our assessment and the evidence gathered strongly suggest these individuals were mobilized from outside to instigate unrest during the gathering,” Mr. Arya added.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently conducting a meticulous and scientific inquiry into the matter.
SSP Arya also issued an appeal to the public, assuring that “no innocent person will be harassed or unjustly pressured. Anyone with concerns or grievances should promptly contact the police or local authorities. Concurrently, no guilty individual, irrespective of their standing, will be spared.”
District Magistrate Avinash Singh confirmed on Wednesday, October 1, that approximately 80 individuals have been identified as suspects in the case, and the arms licenses of six people are in the process of being revoked.
He further stated that individuals with criminal records would face stringent action under the Goonda Act, including externment orders for a period of six months. These stern measures are intended to set a precedent.
In related developments, Salman Miyan, another family member of Mr. Tauqeer, had his government-provided security withdrawn on Wednesday.
These actions stem from the violent clashes that erupted in Bareilly on September 26, when a large crowd of over 2,000 people assembled outside a mosque in the Kotwali area following Friday prayers. The gathering escalated into stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to police personnel.
The unrest was reportedly sparked by the cancellation of a planned protest, initiated by Mr. Khan, concerning the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster controversy.
To date, police have filed 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) against 180 named individuals and an additional 2,500 unnamed persons. This has led to the arrest of Mr. Khan, his associates, and many others.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has publicly issued warnings of severe repercussions for those involved in the rioting.
Earlier on Tuesday, September 29, Uttar Pradesh Minister J.P.S. Rathore, during a post-violence visit to Bareilly, declared: “No one is above the law. Miscreants will not be spared. Anarchy, illegal encroachments, or unauthorized structural changes will not be tolerated. Wherever irregularities are discovered, swift action, including demolitions, will be enforced.”
On September 29, police and municipal teams, supported by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and personnel from five police stations, carried out a demolition operation. They razed a garage owned by Mohsin Raza, located near his home, asserting it was illegally constructed on municipal and drainage land.
Officials reported that the 12×14 foot structure had been an encroachment for two decades. Mr. Mohsin, who attempted to resist the demolition by claiming a court stay, was arrested after a physical altercation with police. His resort was subsequently sealed, along with Hamsafar Palace, a marriage venue belonging to Haji Sharafat Khan, an associate of Mr. Khan.
To date, police have identified Tauqeer Raza Khan, Dr. Nafees, and Nadeem as the primary instigators behind the September 26 incident. Properties valued at approximately ₹150 crore, belonging to Mr. Khan’s associates, have been seized by authorities.
Further arrests include Mohsin Raza, son-in-law of Mr. Khan’s elder brother, Mannani Miyan. Another son-in-law, Oman Raza, a Samajwadi Party councillor, is currently at large. Earlier, suspect Tajeem was wounded and apprehended during a police encounter.
Police reports indicate that Shamsad played a pivotal role in organizing crowds on September 26. He is accused of supplying petrol bombs and inciting people by stating, “Maulana Sahib has ordered that this time we must show our strength.” Allegedly, he left his mobile phone with Khan to evade tracking while carrying out the plan.
Investigators also suggest that Mr. Shamsad was deeply involved in previous agitations, including the 2022 protests following controversial remarks by expelled BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the verdict on the Gyanvapi mosque, where significant crowds were mobilized under Tauqeer Raza’s directives.
They claim he was responsible for ensuring almost half of the protestors’ presence during the 2022 demonstrations and openly supported Khan during clashes with police.