बरेली में झड़प: मौलाना तौकीर रज़ा गिरफ़्तार, यूपी सरकार ने ज़ीरो टॉलरेंस की कसम खाई

Violence erupted in Bareilly after inflammatory slogans and attempts to breach police barricades. Authorities arrested Maulana Tauqir Raza and several others; police recovered weapons and said some attackers came from outside. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the security response and warned rioters that such unrest would not be tolerated.

Tensions in Bareilly escalated into violence after a large crowd attempted to push through police lines and break barricades. Video and eyewitness accounts show police repeatedly ordering the crowd to stop; when the protesters continued pressing forward, officers used baton charges to control the situation. The confrontation led to injuries and chaotic scenes, with some bystanders reporting a stampede.

Authorities say the unrest was sparked by inflammatory speeches and organised calls to gather at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers. In the aftermath, police carried out sweeps across the city, detaining dozens and registering multiple FIRs. According to officials, ten FIRs have been filed so far; 39 people are in custody and eight individuals, including Maulana Tauqir Raza, have been sent to judicial custody. Police say Tauqir Raza faces multiple charges for delivering provocative speeches that allegedly incited the violence.

Images circulating online showed contrasting public reactions: some residents chanted support for the police and displayed pro-government posters, while others criticised the handling of the protests. Slogans such as “We are with UP Police” and religious chants appeared alongside provocative placards, contributing to a charged atmosphere.

Police recovered a range of weapons and incendiary materials during searches, including lathis (wooden sticks), stones, blades, live cartridges, and what investigators described as petrol containers. Officials told reporters that these seizures point to premeditation: they suspect that hired provocateurs from outside the district were brought in to inflame the situation. Investigators are reviewing social media activity and WhatsApp groups to trace how the mobilization was organised.

DIG Ajay Sahni and SSP Anurag Arya led the security response in Bareilly. Both officers conducted visible patrols across sensitive localities, with mounted units and frequent flag marches intended to stabilise the situation. State officials praised the swift police action and credited it with preventing the violence from spreading further.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a strong warning following the unrest, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on law-and-order disturbances. He said the state would protect lawful citizens but would act decisively against those who attempt to wreck public order. “Attempts to block the system or create unrest will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that the state would ensure strict action against anyone who attacks security personnel or threatens public safety.

Political reactions were immediate and divided. Some leaders and commentators accused elements of orchestrating the riots for political purposes, while others condemned perceived heavy-handedness by police and warned against targeting entire communities. Opposition figures and civil-society voices urged restraint and called for transparent investigations to establish responsibility for the violence.

Local residents described a chaotic evening when the situation turned violent: many had left the area after prayers, but a group of troublemakers—police allege some were outsiders—stayed behind and began stone-pelting and slogans. Hospitals reported multiple injuries, including to children; several people required treatment for head and limb injuries. No official death toll has been confirmed in the latest statements.

Authorities say they are continuing to identify suspects through CCTV footage, mobile phone evidence and social-media posts. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the conspiracy angle and trace any external links, the police said. Several dozen people were reported detained across various police stations as officers pursue leads.

Civil-society leaders and community elders called for calm and urged both sides to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. They emphasised the need to protect places of worship and civilian lives and to allow the legal process to take its course.

As the city returns to heightened security, administrators say patrolling and monitoring will continue in sensitive areas to prevent any recurrence. Officials also appealed to residents to cooperate with the investigation and avoid spreading unverified information on social media that could complicate law-and-order efforts.