Bareilly Violence Aftermath: Strong Police Action and Political Reactions Across Uttar Pradesh

 The situation in Bareilly has taken a dramatic turn. The same streets that once witnessed chaos and violence are now under the strict watch of Uttar Pradesh Police. Days after the riots that shook the city, law enforcement is asserting its dominance. Where protesters once raised slogans, now the sound of police marches echoes through the lanes.

The localities that were earlier gathering points for rioters are now deserted, with security forces stationed at every corner. The visuals emerging from Bareilly today perfectly represent the rule of law in action. The administration’s firm response has instilled a visible sense of fear among those responsible for the unrest.

Following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s clear directive to act tough on rioters, the police have launched a widespread crackdown. Over 80 people, including Nafees Khan and his son, have been arrested. Close aides of Maulana Tauqeer Raza — such as local councillors Usman Raza Khan and Mohsin Raza Khan — have been charged with electricity theft and fined ₹1 crore for running illegal e-rickshaw charging stations.

In addition, two suspects, Idrees and Iqbal, with known criminal backgrounds, were arrested after a brief encounter. Officials confirmed that several outside elements were also involved in orchestrating the violence, aiming to disrupt law and order.

An NDTV team visited the areas affected by the violence, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s residence, where heavy police deployment remains in place. Locals appeared fearful and hesitant to speak on camera. The team also visited the house of Farhad, where Tauqeer Raza reportedly stayed before the riots. Farhad and his son have since been arrested, but his wife pleaded that her family was innocent and unaware of any such plans, urging authorities not to demolish their home.

Meanwhile, Tauqeer Raza’s brother, Tausif Raza, has warned that if the police don’t halt their actions, their community might be forced to take “serious steps.” When asked if this meant another protest, he said that any further decisions would be taken by senior leaders and announced later.

Adding to the controversy, Muslim cleric Maulana Shabuddin Rizvi criticized Tauqeer Raza, claiming that a mix of radical and political figures had conspired to create unrest for personal political gain. “What happened in Bareilly is unfortunate,” he said, adding that some groups used religious sentiments to boost their political image.

Political reactions have followed swiftly. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the administration of double standards and selective action. However, Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad defended the government’s stance, asserting that anyone attempting to disturb peace in the state — regardless of status — would face strict legal action.

“Those who spread fear or disrupt communal harmony will be dealt with firmly. No one, however influential, will be spared,” said Minister Nishad.

The political rhetoric continues, but one question remains — why are some questioning the state’s crackdown on those responsible for inciting violence? Is it the fear of losing political ground, or discomfort with the strong enforcement of law and order in Uttar Pradesh?