Bareilly: The Bareilly Development Authority moved to act against two marriage halls linked to supporters of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who is in jail as the main accused in the September 26 violence. Officials targeted Good Marriage Hall and Aiwan e Farhat in the Sufi Tola area. They sought police support to proceed with demolition.
Police in Baradari confirmed that they received the notice for Aiwan e Farhat and reached the site on Monday morning. The owner of Good Marriage Hall started shifting items from the premises. BDA teams did not arrive due to shortage of staff, and the action was postponed.
The administration alleges that both halls lacked required approvals. BDA sources said demolition orders for the structures were issued in 2011. Names of Rashid Khan, owner of Good Marriage Hall, and Sarfaraz Wali Khan, owner of Aiwan e Farhat, surfaced during the investigation as supporters of Maulana Raza.
The violence broke out after a procession supporting I Love Mohammad was taken out following Friday prayers. Maulana Raza was named the main accused. Police continue to investigate those involved and those accused of giving shelter to participants.
Community voices expressed concern over selective action. They said Muslim citizens linked to the cleric faced strong measures, while individuals from the majority community who were allegedly involved in damaging property and religious sites faced limited scrutiny. A local leader said the focus on Muslim owned properties raised questions on fairness and accountability.
The BDA has held back immediate demolition. Pressure remains high as the administration continues its crackdown following the unrest.
