Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – In a significant move, Bareilly authorities have identified eight properties allegedly linked to associates of Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan for demolition. Officials announced the action on Tuesday, signaling a firm stance against illegal constructions and encroachments in the city.
Teams from the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) and the district administration conducted a joint operation in key areas including Faiq Enclave, Jagatpur, and the old city. These structures are reportedly built without proper approvals and, in some cases, have encroached upon government land and ceiling areas.
Faiq Enclave, in particular, has been identified by the police as a known hideout for criminals. This action follows a previous sealing of a property linked to Saddam, the brother-in-law of gangster Atiq Ahmad, in the same enclave. Investigations have now surfaced connections between Tauqeer Raza’s aides, Farhat and coloniser Mohammad Arif, and similar illicit activities.
According to a BDA official, Mohammad Arif and his associates are accused of encroaching on government land and roads. Properties associated with Arif, including hotels and lawns like Skylark, Fahm Lawn, and Flora Garden, were sealed on Sunday due to alleged illegal construction.
“Illegal constructions on government and ceiling land will not be spared. Strict action will be taken as per rules,” stated Dr. Manikandan A, Vice-Chairman of the BDA.
The Bareilly Municipal Corporation has also marked several shops, including those built atop Pahalwan Sahab Dargah, for demolition due to illegal construction.
An FIR is reportedly being prepared against Mohammad Arif for encroaching on roads and government land. The district administration is also intensifying surveillance on Tauqeer Raza’s close network of associates and financiers, suspected of funding and strategizing unlawful activities under the guise of community programs.
A final decision regarding the demolitions is anticipated later on Tuesday, with the District Magistrate, SSP Anurag Arya, the BDA Vice-Chairman, and the municipal commissioner set to oversee the operation.
This decisive action comes in the wake of violent clashes that occurred in Bareilly on September 26. Following Friday prayers, a large crowd gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to police personnel. The unrest was reportedly sparked by the cancellation of a protest, called by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, concerning the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row.
In response to the disturbances, police have registered 10 FIRs against 180 named individuals and 2,500 unnamed persons, with Khan, his aides, and over 60 others reportedly arrested. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also issued a stern warning of strict action against rioters. Internet services remain suspended in the district to curb the spread of inflammatory content.