By Mauptilast Updated
Copyright indiatimes
Tensions escalated across Barabanki and Mau districts following violent clashes in Bareilly over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces and step up monitoring of social media.The unrest began Friday night in Bareilly, where police carried out overnight house-to-house raids to apprehend those involved, including a prominent cleric.In Barabanki’s Faizullaganj village, near Lucknow, tensions flared after a banner bearing the words “I Love Muhammad” was torn down. One side alleged that local watchman Dhanni broke the rope with a stick to bring down the banner. Following the incident, members of one community gathered at the site, while members of the other community also assembled, creating a tense situation.Dhanni’s house was reportedly vandalised by youths. His wife alleged that some people broke into the home, damaged property, and stole belongings. CCTV footage from a nearby mosque reportedly shows Dhanni using a stick to topple the banner. Police have seized the video and launched an investigation.Ajay Singh, the public relations officer for the Bareilly Superintendent of Police, said, “A dispute had arisen over the removal of a banner, but peace has now been restored at the scene.”Live EventsIn Mau district, a procession chanting “I Love Muhammad” was held in the Nai Bazaar area after Friday prayers. Police intervened and dispersed the group with batons. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media. Mau SP Ilamaran said police are monitoring social media closely and taking action based on the information gathered.Meanwhile, in Varanasi, authorities arrested seven individuals from Sigra and a juvenile from Lallapura for allegedly holding an unauthorised procession with “I Love Muhammad” banners on September 22. Police said the act aimed to disrupt communal harmony and spread anarchy.According to the police, on September 22, 15–20 unidentified individuals carrying banners, playing loud music, blocking traffic, and raising slogans were spotted in Lallapura. “This caused problems for the general public and instilled considerable fear and anger among the local population,” the police statement said. Officials added that the individuals intentionally started this “new tradition” to assert dominance over other communities.In Bareilly, authorities are identifying more than 500 people through CCTV and video evidence. Door-to-door searches were conducted from late Friday night into Saturday morning, leading to several arrests. Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Parishad, is also in custody for allegedly calling for a protest in support of the campaign.Bareilly District Magistrate Avnish Singh said, “The situation in the district is normal, with schools, colleges, and all commercial establishments open.” Six cases have been registered in various police stations in the district so far.Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajay Kumar Sahni stated, “Investigations and intelligence have revealed that this riot was not a spontaneous outburst, but a pre-planned conspiracy. The names of some local politicians have also emerged in the probe. Those who disrupt peace in Bareilly will be jailed, and action will be taken against them under the Goondas Act and the National Security Act.”Authorities said the situation in Bareilly is under control, but to prevent further disturbances, security companies from 15 districts, including police, PAC, and paramilitary forces, have been deployed. More than 8,000 personnel are stationed in Bareilly and will remain until further orders.With inputs from PTIAdd as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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