Violence Erupts in Bareilly Protest: 10 Police Officers Hurt in Stone-Pelting Clash
In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a peaceful demonstration took a dangerous turn on Friday after afternoon prayers. At least 10 police officers suffered injuries when angry crowds hurled stones at security forces during a rally supporting the "I Love Muhammad" campaign.
The trouble started outside the famous Ala Hazrat Dargah and the home of Ittehad-e-Millat Council leader Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. A big group had gathered to show solidarity, but things escalated quickly. Police were on a routine flag march in the area when a bunch of troublemakers jumped out, yelling slogans and attacking with stones.
Inspector General Ajay Sahni of the Bareilly Range shared details on how it all unfolded. "Our team has been talking to locals since morning to keep things calm," Sahni explained. "We urged everyone to pray peacefully and head home afterward. About 90 to 95 percent of the crowd did just that. But out of nowhere, some agitators showed up, throwing stones and even firing shots."
Sahni noted that police captured plenty of video and photos of the chaos, leading to several arrests already. The violence hit three or four spots across the city, and he suspects it was all planned. "This looks like a conspiracy—why else would so many people suddenly gear up like that? No one had permission for this kind of gathering," he added.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar didn’t hold back in condemning the Bareilly protest violence. He called it a desperate bid by those who can’t stand India’s growth, especially in UP. "These folks have tried every trick and failed, so now they’re stirring up riots," Rajbhar said. "If anyone messes with our peace, the government will hit back hard—actions they’ll remember for generations."
Fellow UP Minister Asim Arun echoed the call for order, stressing that all religious or cultural events need official approval first. "Processions that flex muscle only hurt the nation, and divisive groups push India that way," Arun warned. "But our government, police, and officials know exactly how to shut them down."
The incident highlights ongoing tensions around unauthorized protests in Uttar Pradesh, with authorities vowing stricter measures to maintain calm in sensitive areas like Bareilly. (Based on reports)
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