48-Hour Internet Shutdown in Bareilly Following Religious Tensions and Arrests Amid Festival Season

Internet services were suspended for 48 hours Thursday afternoon - till 3 pm on Saturday - in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly division amid ongoing tension over the 'I love Muhammad' poster row and in light of Dussehra and Durga Puja festivities this weekend.

Police have been instructed to maintain vigilance at grounds hosting Ramlila and Ravan Dahan shows, which typically attract large crowds of festival participants.

According to the district administration's shutdown order, there exists "a possibility of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp being misused to spread rumors and incite communal tension." This measure was implemented specifically to preserve peace in the region.

Security has been significantly enhanced throughout the area. In addition to local police forces, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force have been deployed to maintain order.

Security personnel have also utilized drone technology across various areas to effectively monitor and maintain law and order.

Heightened alerts have been issued for areas surrounding Bareilly, with Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary extending warnings to the Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts.

Last week, approximately 2,000 individuals gathered outside a mosque in the town's Kotwali area and clashed with police following Friday prayers. Reports indicated incidents of stone-pelting. The unrest emerged following the cancellation of a protest related to the 'I love Muhammad' poster controversy, which had been called by cleric Tauqeer Khan.

To date, authorities have arrested 81 people in connection with the violence, and properties belonging to the accused have been demolished as part of enforcement actions.

Two additional arrests occurred Wednesday following an encounter in the city's CB Ganj area. Both individuals sustained bullet injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment while remaining in police custody, according to a senior officer.

Tauqeer Raza Khan, several of his associates, and at least one relative are currently incarcerated as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police have registered 10 FIRs against 180 named and approximately 2,500 unnamed individuals, resulting in the arrest of Khan, his associates, and dozens of others implicated in the unrest.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued stern warnings promising strict action against those participating in riots.