Bareilly Violence: Maulana Tauqeer Raza arrested amid conspiracy, police take strict action to restore peace

Lucknow: Following a major incident in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on September 26th, police arrested Maulana Tauqeer Raza, head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). A total of 10 FIRs have been registered in this case, seven of which mention the Maulana's name. Police have also arrested eight people, including Tauqeer Raza. The Maulana has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Police have also detained 39 others. Police investigation uncovers conspiracy Police stated that the conspiracy for this violence had been underway for the past seven days and involved outsiders. During the investigation, police recovered knives, pistols, blades, and petrol bottles. Police say that after Friday prayers, some people were trying to disturb the peace, but the police used force to stop them. Violent protests after Friday prayers in Bareilly; Police resort to lathicharge Statement by DM Avinash Singh Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Singh stated that the administration was aware of this plan in advance. He said that Section 163 of the BNSS had been imposed in the city, prohibiting any event without permission. The administration also informed Maulana Tauqeer Raza and his representatives, Nadeem and Nafeez, of this matter. Nadeem and Nafeez came to the administration's camp office and were explained the legal regulations in detail. [caption id="attachment_159694" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Voilence in Bareilly[/caption] The DM stated that Maulana Tauqeer Raza and Nadeem also met with the administration and were told that no event could be held without permission. The administration had received assurances from Nadeem and Nafeez that they would not proceed with their plan and had even provided a letter promising to withdraw it. Attempt to incite violence However, the next morning, Maulana Tauqeer Raza released a video message stating that the letter they had provided was fake and that they would proceed with their plan. After Friday prayers, 80-90% of the people returned home, but some remained and began gathering and moving towards Islamia Inter College. When they attempted to take the law into their own hands and disrupt the peace, the police took strict action and used force. Bureaucracy: 16 IAS Officers transferred as SP Goyal returns to Lucknow; Commissioners of Bareilly, Lucknow, and Prayagraj changed This incident was a conspiracy despite the administration's vigilance and timely information. The police took strict action and succeeded in preventing the violence. The arrest of Maulana Tauqeer Raza and other accused has sent a clear message that those who disturb the peace will not be spared. The administration has said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain peace and strict action will be taken against those who violate the law.