Tensions have significantly escalated across Barabanki and Mau districts, following violent protests that erupted in Bareilly over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. Police have been conducting extensive overnight raids, arresting a prominent cleric and numerous individuals suspected of involvement in the unrest.
Officials confirmed that robust security forces have been deployed throughout the affected areas. Social media platforms are under stringent surveillance to prevent further incitement and maintain law and order.
The preceding Friday saw a surge in tension in Faizullaganj village, Barabanki, which lies close to the state capital, Lucknow. A banner displaying the words “I Love Muhammad” was reportedly torn down, triggering an immediate and strong reaction from one community, who gathered at the site to voice their displeasure. This soon led to members of another community also convening, creating a volatile situation in the village.
Reports indicate that the home of a local watchman, identified as Dhanni, was vandalized by some youths. Upon receiving word of the incident, police units, including the Additional Superintendent of Police and the Circle Officer, swiftly arrived, with reinforcements from several police stations converging on the village.
Dhanni’s wife later alleged that intruders broke into their home, caused damage, and stole belongings. CCTV footage from a nearby mosque, which reportedly shows Dhanni using a stick to remove the banner, has been confiscated by the police as part of their ongoing investigation.
According to Ajay Singh, the Superintendent of Police’s public relations officer, while a dispute over the banner’s removal led to the initial unrest, peace has since been re-established in Faizullaganj.
Meanwhile, in Mau district, a procession chanting “I Love Muhammad” took place in the Nai Bazaar area after Friday prayers. Police intervened, dispersing the crowd with batons. A video capturing the entire incident has since been widely shared across social media.
Mau SP Ilamaran stated that the police are actively monitoring social media and are taking decisive action based on intelligence gathered regarding the overall situation.
Back in Bareilly, authorities are working to identify over 500 individuals through extensive video and CCTV footage analysis. Police carried out door-to-door searches from late Friday night into Saturday morning, resulting in several arrests. Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Parishad, is among those taken into custody, suspected of instigating protests in support of the campaign.
Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Avnish Singh assured the public that the situation in the district is now normal, with all schools, colleges, and commercial establishments operating as usual. Police have registered six cases across various stations in Bareilly.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajay Kumar Sahni revealed that initial investigations and intelligence point towards the riot not being a spontaneous event but a carefully pre-planned conspiracy. The names of certain local politicians have also surfaced during the inquiry.
Mr. Sahani emphasized that anyone found disturbing the peace in Bareilly will face severe consequences, including imprisonment and charges under the Goondas Act and the National Security Act (NSA).
To prevent any further disturbances, police, PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), and paramilitary forces from 15 districts have been strategically deployed. Over 8,000 personnel are currently maintaining security across Bareilly and will remain stationed there until further orders, ensuring continued stability.