Bareilly Violence: Two Criminals with Extensive History Arrested Following Encounter in 'I Love Muhammad' Protest Row

The actions follow violent clashes in Bareilly on September 26

Bareilly:

Two individuals allegedly involved in the September 26 violence in Bareilly were apprehended following an encounter in CB Ganj area on Wednesday, police announced, as authorities continued their crackdown on suspected rioters and their supporters.

Both men sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and are currently receiving medical treatment while in police custody, according to a senior officer.

On Tuesday, authorities had arrested the district chief of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), Shamsad, and another suspect identified as Tajeem following separate police encounters, bringing the total number of arrests to over 70.

IMC chief cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, several of his associates, and at least one relative are also currently imprisoned.

"Idrees and Iqbal, originally from neighboring Shahjahanpur district, were actively participating in the violence that erupted in Kotwali area last week," Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya stated on Wednesday.

"They were captured after exchanging gunfire with police. Both sustained bullet wounds during the encounter and were transported to hospital for treatment. They remain in custody," he added.

According to the SSP, Idrees has 20 criminal cases registered against him, including charges related to theft, dacoity, the Gangsters Act, and the Arms Act. Iqbal faces approximately 17 cases on similar charges.

Arya revealed that a government-issued anti-riot gun, which had been taken from police personnel during the violence, was recovered from the suspects. Additionally, two illegal country-made pistols of .315 bore, spent cartridges, and live ammunition were seized from the scene.

He further stated that both men were in communication with Nadeem Khan, a known associate of IMC chief cleric Khan, who is already incarcerated.

"Nadeem had summoned them to Bareilly on the day of the incident. Both Idrees and Iqbal have criminal histories. Our preliminary investigation indicated involvement of external criminal elements in the September 26 incident, which has now been confirmed," Arya explained.

He asserted that the violence appeared to be a calculated attempt to disrupt public order during a sensitive religious gathering.

"Our assessment and evidence suggest these outsiders were mobilized specifically to disturb peace during the event," Arya noted.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a scientific and thorough probe into the incident.

The SSP also issued a public appeal, stating, "No innocent person will face harassment or undue pressure. Anyone with concerns or grievances should immediately contact police or local authorities. Simultaneously, no guilty individual will escape consequences, regardless of their position."

District Magistrate Avinash Singh stated on Wednesday that nearly 80 accused have been identified, and arms licenses of approximately six individuals are being revoked.

"Action under the Goonda Act will be implemented against those with criminal backgrounds. Such offenders will also face externment orders for six months, and these strict measures will establish a precedent," he declared.

Meanwhile, Salman Miyan, another family member of Tauqeer, had his government-provided security detail withdrawn on Wednesday.

These actions follow violent clashes in Bareilly on September 26, when a crowd exceeding 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in Kotwali area after Friday prayers, resulting in stone-pelting and injuries to police personnel.

The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a proposed protest regarding the 'I Love Muhammad' poster controversy called by Khan.

Police have registered 10 FIRs against 180 named and 2,500 unnamed persons, arresting Khan, his aides and dozens of others.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of severe consequences for rioters.

During a post-violence city visit on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh government's Minister in-charge of Bareilly, JPS Rathore, declared, "No one is above the law. Miscreants will not be spared. Anarchy, illegal encroachments, or map manipulations will not be tolerated. Wherever irregularities are discovered, bulldozers and strict action will follow."

On Tuesday, police and municipal teams, supported by RAF and personnel from five police stations, demolished a garage belonging to Mohsin Raza near his residence, alleging it was constructed illegally on municipal and drain land.

Officials reported the 12x14 ft structure had been encroaching for 20 years. Mohsin, who resisted demolition claiming a court stay, was arrested after confronting police. His resort was sealed, as was Hamsafar Palace, a marriage venue owned by Khan's aide Haji Sharafat Khan.

Police have identified Tauqeer Raza Khan, Dr. Nafees, and Nadeem as masterminds of the September 26 incident. Properties valued at approximately Rs 150 crore belonging to Khan's associates have been seized, according to authorities.

Among those arrested is Mohsin Raza, son-in-law of Khan's elder brother Mannani Miyan. Another son-in-law, Oman Raza, a Samajwadi Party councillor, remains at large. Previously, suspect Tajeem was injured during a police encounter and subsequently arrested.

According to police, Shamsad played a crucial role in mobilizing crowds on September 26, supplying petrol bombs and instructing people that "Maulana Sahib has ordered that this time we must demonstrate our strength." He allegedly left his mobile phone with Khan to avoid location tracking while executing the plan.

Investigators claim Shamsad was instrumental in previous agitations, including 2022 protests following expelled BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's controversial remarks and the Gyanvapi mosque verdict, when large crowds were mobilized at Tauqeer Raza's call.

He reportedly ensured nearly half the crowd's presence in the 2022 protests and openly supported Khan during confrontations with police, according to authorities.