Police in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, are keeping a close watch on the city after recent violent protests over the “I Love Mohammad” row. Heavy deployments continue to ensure law and order, especially with Dussehra celebrations approaching.
On Thursday, officers carried out a flag march through key areas as a safety step. Deputy Inspector General AK Sahni told reporters the situation remains calm and under control. “Police teams are on foot patrols to keep peace,” he said. “We’ve got 10 companies from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), along with CRPF and local forces, ready for the festivals. We urge everyone to celebrate peacefully.”
Sahni added that investigators are tracking down those behind the violence. In a major update, Uttar Pradesh police arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) National General Secretary Nafees Khan and his son Farman Khan linked to the September 26 clashes in Bareilly. This brings the total arrests to 81.
Police say Farman managed the IMC’s Facebook page. Senior Superintendent Anurag Arya shared that the duo confessed to a wider plot. “They admitted everyone was in on the conspiracy,” Arya explained. “They spread false claims about an appeal to draw a crowd and spark confusion.”
The trouble started when protesters gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s home, waving “I Love Mohammad” placards. Things turned ugly after Friday prayers as the crowd threw stones at officers.
To calm the Bareilly unrest, authorities cut mobile internet and broadband services for 48 hours, from 3 p.m. on October 2 until 3 p.m. on October 4. Officials hope these steps will help maintain peace during the busy festival season in Uttar Pradesh.
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