Bulldozer Action Against Properties of UP Cleric Tauqeer Raza's Associates in Bareilly

Eight properties connected to associates of Tauqeer Raza have been identified for administrative action.

Bareilly:

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly have deployed bulldozers against properties linked to close associates of Tauqeer Raza Khan, the prominent cleric who heads the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). Officials first targeted a residence belonging to one of his associates in the Bankhana area, where construction work was officially sealed on Monday with significant police presence.

The district administration and police forces, accompanied by a fire brigade unit, arrived at the home of Nadeem Khan, reportedly a close associate of Tauqeer Raza. Officials immediately halted and sealed ongoing construction work before positioning a bulldozer at the site. According to authorities, the property, registered under a relative's name, could face demolition as soon as Tuesday.

A substantial security force, including paramilitary personnel companies, has been positioned throughout the area to maintain order. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya, Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) Vice-Chairman Dr Manikandan A, and the municipal commissioner, are personally overseeing the operation.

Officials have identified eight properties connected to Tauqeer Raza's associates for potential action. These structures, located across Faiq Enclave, Jagatpur, and Bareilly's historic city center, allegedly lack proper construction permits and in multiple instances have been built on government or ceiling land.

Law enforcement authorities claim that Faiq Enclave has evolved into a sanctuary for criminal elements. A property linked to Saddam, brother-in-law of gangster Atiq Ahmad, was previously sealed in the area. Officials now allege that Tauqeer Raza's associates, including Farhat and developer Mohammad Arif, have conducted similar encroachments.

"Illegal constructions on government and ceiling land will not be spared. Strict action will be taken as per rules," stated Dr Manikandan A, BDA Vice-Chairman, according to PTI.

On Sunday, authorities sealed three commercial establishments connected to Arif—Skylark Hotel, Fahm Lawn, and Flora Garden—for alleged unauthorized construction. The BDA confirmed that Arif and his associates had encroached upon public roads and government property.

Bareilly Municipal Corporation has identified numerous shops for demolition, including structures constructed above Pahalwan Sahab Dargah. Officials indicated they are preparing an FIR against Arif on charges of land and road encroachment.

Authorities have strengthened surveillance of Tauqeer Raza's close associates and financial supporters, who they suspect of providing funding and operational support for recent disturbances. This increased scrutiny follows violent clashes on September 26, when protests associated with the "I Love Muhammad" campaign turned violent in Bareilly's Kotwali district.

The September 26 Violence

Following Friday prayers, more than 2,000 individuals gathered outside a mosque in Kotwali, despite authorities having denied permission for a planned demonstration. Violence erupted when police attempted to disperse the assembly. Protesters threw stones, injuring several officers, and the unrest quickly spread to surrounding areas.

Police have subsequently filed 10 First Information Reports (FIRs), specifically naming 180 individuals while listing an additional 2,500 as unidentified participants. At least 60 people, including Tauqeer Raza Khan, have been arrested.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a stern warning that rioters will face severe consequences.