Bareilly: Police on Saturday, September 27, detained Tauqeer Raza Khan, local cleric and chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, following violent clashes in Bareilly linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, reported NDTV. The unrest erupted after Khan postponed a proposed demonstration supporting the campaign.
After Friday prayers, large crowds gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and Khan’s residence, holding “I Love Muhammad” placards. Protesters reportedly pelted stones at police, prompting the authorities to resort to lathicharge. At least 10 policemen were injured, and dozens of people were taken into custody. Videos circulating online showed large groups raising slogans and carrying posters near the mosque and the cleric’s house in the Kotwali area.
The violence occurred outside a small mosque near Islamia Ground and close to Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat, one of the most revered shrines for followers of the Barelvi sect of Sunni Islam. As crowds attempted to march toward the Islamia Inter College ground, police tried to stop them at Khalil Tiraha, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism of vehicles and shops, and a stampede-like situation.
