Insaaf Times Desk
The ongoing controversy surrounding the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign in Bareilly has once again grabbed headlines. Police have so far arrested a total of 73 Muslims, including Naseem Khan, a close aide of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Naseem Khan has been taken into custody for allegedly inciting violence and spreading objectionable posts online.
Police have registered 10 FIRs in connection with the case, naming around 180 individuals and more than 2,500 unidentified Muslims. Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya stated that digital evidence, including inflammatory posts and videos, has been collected against Naseem Khan. He was reportedly seen pleading with folded hands before the police.
The controversy began on September 26, when protests erupted over an ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster in Bareilly. Violence escalated following a police baton charge, resulting in injuries to both civilians and police personnel. Maulana Tauqeer Raza was identified as the main accused and arrested. The FIR alleges that he instigated his followers to cause harm to police officers.
The police administration claims to have identified eight illegal properties linked to associates of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, which are slated for demolition. Authorities have increased social media monitoring and are conducting flag marches to maintain law and order.
Officials have warned that the arrests will continue and that other suspects involved in the case are being identified. The incident is being seen as a factor escalating communal tension in Bareilly, prompting the administration to maintain close vigilance over the situation.
