The Uttar Pradesh administration has launched a major crackdown following the violent riots in Bareilly on September 26, which erupted over the controversial “I Love Mohammad” slogan. As part of the ongoing action, 88 individuals have been arrested, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan (65), president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), and seven of his close associates.
Authorities have also taken strong punitive measures against illegal properties. According to sources, the Bareilly Development Authority and Municipal Corporation have either sealed or demolished assets valued at over Rs 220 crore.
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation is also actively involved in the operation, disconnecting multiple electricity connections after continuous inspections in the affected areas. The action mirrors the stringent steps taken by the administration following similar violence in Sambhal.
Tensions escalated after Friday prayers in Bareilly’s Kotwali area, where a large crowd gathered outside a mosque. The protest, originally planned by Maulana Tauqeer Raza in response to the “I Love Mohammad” issue, was cancelled, yet unrest ensued. The situation turned violent as a Muslim mob allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, injuring 22 officers. Shoes and slippers were seen scattered across the road, reflecting the chaos.
This crackdown marks the first serious legal and administrative action taken against Maulana Tauqeer Raza in over four decades, despite his long-standing criminal record. Until now, no government had acted against him, largely due to his political influence and strong ties with the influential Aala Hazrat Dargah.
Illegal shops sealed, heavy fines imposed, bulldozer action continues in Bareilly
In the wake of the recent unrest in Bareilly, the Uttar Pradesh administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal establishments and electricity theft, targeting properties linked to Maulana Tauqeer Raza and his associates.
In October, the Power Corporation uncovered electricity theft at the homes of eight individuals, including Mohsin Raza, a relative of Tauqeer Raza, and Samajwadi Party councillor Mohammad Nadeem. Legal action was initiated against all the accused, resulting in cumulative fines amounting to Rs 1.12 crore.
Additionally, an unauthorised electric vehicle charging station operated by Mohsin Raza was dismantled, and a bill of Rs 1.26 crore was issued. Recovery certificates were also served to several individuals: Rs 15.39 lakh against Wasim Khan, Rs 22.29 lakh against Monish Khan, Rs 37.32 lakh against Barkan Raza Khan, Rs 26.92 lakh against Aman Raja, and Rs 26.57 lakh against Ghulam Nabi.
Authorities also took action against properties developed on encroached or government land. A marriage hall owned by Dr Nafees, a close aide of Tauqeer Raza, was demolished after it was found to be illegally constructed on government property. His optical store, “Khan Optical,” was also sealed as he allegedly operated it without a valid professional degree.
In Sailani Market, over 200 illegal shops built with tin sheds were demolished for encroachment. Furthermore, near Novelty Square, a market of 37 shops was sealed. Though officially registered as Waqf property, the market is reportedly under the control of Tauqeer Raza. The Municipal Corporation took action by sealing the entire premises.
Following the sealing, shopkeepers were forced to vacate and are now selling their goods on the streets at discounted rates. A banner displayed at the site read: “The tomb of Pehalwan Sahib and its associated property are managed by the Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. This property does not belong to any private individual or political figure. Legal disputes are currently pending before the Allahabad High Court and the Lucknow Bench. All courts have issued stay orders in favour of the Waqf Board.” The notice, placed by the secretary of the Intezamia Committee, directly challenges the Municipal Corporation’s actions.
In a broader sweep, the administration has also sealed several high-value properties linked to key individuals. These include the Flora Garden: 60 crores, the Skylark Hotel: 40 crores, Fahm Lawn: 50 crores and Mazar Market: 25 crores. The coordinated efforts mark one of the most extensive crackdowns in Bareilly’s recent history, targeting illegal encroachments, unauthorised businesses, and properties associated with politically influential figures.
Bareilly Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajay Sahni confirmed that 84 individuals were initially arrested in connection with the recent violence in Bareilly. As of October 8, the number of arrests had risen to 88. Investigations are now underway into the financial activities of the accused, with authorities examining their bank accounts for potential links to external funding sources. Multiple departments are assisting in this inquiry.
DIG Sahni also revealed that the police and district administration are preparing to impose the National Security Act (NSA) on Maulana Tauqeer Raza, currently lodged in Fatehgarh Central Jail. “There is sufficient basis to detain him under the NSA,” Sahni stated. “Given his history and the current sensitivity in Bareilly, his return is not advisable.”
In light of security concerns, officials have requested that all court proceedings involving Tauqeer Raza be conducted via video conferencing. Meanwhile, police are tightening their surveillance of his associates, identifying additional suspects after reviewing CCTV footage and social media videos from the day of the violence.
A reward of Rs 15,000 has been announced for information leading to the arrest of each of the seven individuals still absconding. Authorities have also sought a warrant against Tauqeer Raza in connection with a 2019 protest over the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens.
To date, 12 FIRs have been registered in the current case, naming 125 identified individuals and more than 3,000 unidentified participants. A Special Investigation Team has been established to probe all related matters. Tauqeer Raza is currently facing charges in 10 criminal cases.
