High Tensions in Bareilly: Police Crackdown and Drone Surveillance Post-Protests

A tense atmosphere prevails in Bareilly as authorities deploy heavy police forces and drones to maintain order following recent unrest. The situation escalated after a bulldozer was used on a property belonging to Nafees Khan, the National General Secretary of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), and an associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who remains in judicial custody.

The Bareilly Development Authority executed the bulldozer action on Nafees Khan's property after his arrest related to the protests by 'I Love Muhammad' outside IMC leader Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan's residence on September 26. The police have arrested 83 individuals, including Nafees and his son, Farman Khan, in connection with the violence.

Violence broke out in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh on September 26, post-Friday prayers, as protesters gathered near Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, brandishing 'I Love Mohammad' signs. The protest turned violent, leading to stone-pelting and a subsequent police crackdown. The authorities responded by suspending mobile internet services from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4.

In an effort to restore peace, local officials conducted flag marches, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning for those involved in the violence, promising decisive action. The administration has targeted illegal constructions tied to the IMC chief's associates, demolishing them as part of the crackdown.

To thoroughly investigate the incidents, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising 13 members, led by a Senior Police (SP) rank officer, is in place. FIRs have been filed naming over 2,000 unidentified individuals, signaling an extensive probe across five police stations.

(With inputs from agencies.)