Prominent Muslim scholar Maulana Tauqeer Raza was arrested by Bareilly police on Saturday, following a day of house arrest, along with eight others. This arrest is part of a wider crackdown, with authorities registering ten First Information Reports (FIRs) across multiple police stations in the district.
Officials indicated that each FIR names between 150 and 200 individuals, collectively implicating hundreds under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The charges include promoting enmity between groups (Section 191(2)), unlawful assembly aimed at disturbing the peace (Section 61(2)), disobedience to duly promulgated orders (Section 49), and obstructing public servants in the performance of their duties (Sections 221 & 223). Charges also include waging war against the state (Sections 121 & 132), rioting with deadly weapons, and causing hurt with dangerous weapons (Section 324(3)), among others.
SSP Anurag Arya stated that the charges are essential for maintaining law and order in the region. However, community leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the actions as an effort to intimidate the Muslim community and suppress dissent.
The arrests come amid rising tensions in Bareilly, where large gatherings occurred despite prohibitory orders being in place. Heavy police presence remains in sensitive areas of the city.
Tags: Maulana Tauqeer Raza, I Love Muhammed, Bareilly, FIRs, Muslim community
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