Insaaf Times Desk

The arrest of Islamic scholar Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan during the peaceful “I Love Muhammad” campaign in Bareilly has sparked political and social debate. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Jamaat-e-Islami have strongly condemned the move and demanded his immediate release.

SDPI National Vice President Mohammad Shafi stated that Maulana’s detention reflects the discriminatory policies of the BJP government led by Yogi Adityanath, targeting the Muslim community and suppressing religious freedom. Criticizing the violent actions in Bareilly, Shafi added that the lathi charge on people holding posters and banners, the arrest of thousands, and the 48-hour suspension of internet services violate Article 14 of the Constitution, revealing clear communal bias.

Jamaat-e-Islami President Syed Saadatullah Husaini also expressed deep concern over the arrest. He said, “What began as a simple expression of devotion and reverence has been criminalized by labeling it a threat to public order. This is not only an attack on India’s pluralistic society but also an example of politically motivated communal polarization.”

Husaini alleged that the FIR and other charges against Maulana Tauqeer Raza were fabricated without solid evidence or proper investigation. He appealed to the government to immediately release those wrongly detained and restore equality, justice, and proportionality in governance.

Both leaders urged the Muslim community to remain peaceful and restrained, following the messages of patience, mercy, and compassion taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and to avoid any form of tension or violence.

The Bareilly incident has once again highlighted the importance of religious freedom, freedom of expression, and constitutional rights. Civil society and human rights organizations are calling for a high-level judicial inquiry to prevent the misuse of law for political purposes.