Bareilly: Authorities in Bareilly and surrounding districts have imposed a strict security clampdown ahead of Dussehra festivities. The Home Department has ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet, broadband, and SMS services from 3 pm on October 2 until 3 pm on October 4.
The move comes amid concerns that social media and messaging platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube could be misused to spread rumors and stoke communal tension, officials say.
A high alert has been declared across four districts in the Bareilly division — Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun. Security personnel, including the police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed on the streets. Drones are also being used to monitor the skies.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary has directed vigilance in key public gathering spots like Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and the Ravan Dahan events. He warned that district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officers must take their responsibilities seriously, and any lapse would invite stern action.
What’s the ‘I Love Muhammad’ row?
The high alert comes after a September 26 clash in Kotwali. The clash led to stone-pelting after a protest over the “I Love Muhammad” poster.
Unrest broke out in the city after crowds gathered in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, called by Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, reported Hindustan Times.
According to the report, in the absence of the Maulana, the gathering turned violent, leading to the vandalism of shops and vehicles. Authorities resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells. Reports claimed that 22 policemen were injured. Police registered 10 FIRs across multiple stations, naming 125 accused. Maulana Tauqeer Raza has been named in seven of these cases.
Till Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested, the report states.