(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, police stepped up their presence with a flag march on Wednesday, just days after violent protests erupted over the “I Love Muhammad” controversy. The move comes as the city gears up for upcoming festivals, and officials stress that calm has returned.
Deputy Inspector General AK Sahni shared with that everything feels normal now. “Police teams are out on foot patrols and route marches,” he said. “We’re talking to community leaders to keep things peaceful.” To boost security during the festivals, authorities deployed 10 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), along with paramilitary forces like the CRPF and local district police. Sahni urged residents: “Please celebrate in a peaceful way.”
Behind the scenes, Bareilly police continue hunting down those who stirred up trouble during the September 26 clashes. They arrested IMC National General Secretary Nafees Khan and his son Farman Khan, pushing the total number of detainees to 81 in connection with the stone pelting incident. Farman managed the IMC’s Facebook page, which played a role in spreading the unrest.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya revealed that Nafees and Farman confessed to a broader plot. “They admitted everyone was in on the conspiracy,” Arya told . “They spread fake news about an appeal to draw a big crowd and create chaos.” Nafees has ties to Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the IMC chief and key figure in the protests. Raza, seen as the main orchestrator, is already in judicial custody after his earlier arrest.
The trouble started when a crowd gathered outside the historic Ala Hazrat Dargah and Raza’s home, waving “I Love Muhammad” placards. Things turned ugly after Friday prayers as protesters hurled stones at officers.
On Wednesday, police nabbed eight more suspects linked to the stone pelting. That includes two caught in a police encounter and six others picked up by the Kotwali station team—including Nafees and his son. Before today, 73 people were already behind bars. Arya’s team is reviewing CCTV footage and drone videos to track down more instigators.
For now, strict measures stay in place across the district, including Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and restrictions under BNS Section 144, to prevent any fresh unrest. As festivals approach, Bareilly’s focus remains on maintaining peace amid the “I Love Muhammad” row fallout.
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