Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Feb. 10: Violence erupted here Friday as thousands of supporters rallied in response to a call by Islamic leader Tauqeer Raza Khan for a “jail bharo” protest against what he deemed as “anti-Muslim policies of the government and the Gyanvapi matter.” Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, leader of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) and descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, founder of the Barelvi sect of Sunni Islam, spearheaded the demonstrations.
Police reported at least two injuries resulting from protesters hurling stones in the bustling Shyamatganj market within the Baradari police station vicinity. Additionally, in the Shehdana area, demonstrators assaulted a motorcyclist and vandalized several parked two-wheelers along the roadside. Authorities utilized minimal force to scatter the protesters at both locations, according to officials. Thousands of supporters of Raza Khan congregated near Biharipur’s Islamia College ground, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station, chanting slogans denouncing what they perceive as the government’s hostile treatment of Muslims and its anti-Muslim policies.
Following Friday prayers, Raza addressed reporters outside his residence, expressing his intention to join the protesters on the streets. However, local authorities intervened, preventing his participation. Inspector General of Police for Bareilly Range, Rakesh Kumar Singh, informed journalists that Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s plan to court arrest in protest against government policies was thwarted, and he was peacefully urged to return home. Singh assured that the situation remained peaceful and under control, with ample police presence deployed in the area. Sources within the police revealed that Khan had previously sought permission from the district administration for his “jail bharo” demonstration, but it was denied due to concerns about law and order. Additionally, the Islamia College ground, where Khan had intended for his supporters to gather, was sealed off by the district administration.
The Islamic leader’s call for protests followed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks in the Assembly regarding Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. Adityanath stated, “When I speak about injustice, we recall the 5000-year-old thing. Injustice was done even to the Pandavas at that time…That had happened with Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.” This statement by the Chief Minister has sparked controversy and is believed to have prompted Khan’s response.
