Tension gripped Bareilly on Friday after the afternoon prayers as protests spilled onto the streets. Carrying banners and posters reading &ldquo;I Love Mohammad,&rdquo; hundreds of people marched through different parts of the city. The situation turned violent near Khalil School, where vandalism broke out. Police resorted to baton-charge to bring the situation under control.
Authorities placed Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan under house arrest as a precautionary step. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni stated that prayers concluded peacefully, but some miscreants attempted to disturb the atmosphere and were dispersed.
In Shyamganj, protesters clashed verbally with police officials, including the SP Crime. Despite efforts to stop them, the crowd continued raising slogans and marching forward. Shops in Shyamganj were shut down as a safety measure, while a large gathering was also reported outside Naumahla mosque.
Near Khalil School, protesters suddenly began vandalising vehicles. Police tried to pacify them, but when they refused to disperse, security forces used batons, triggering a stampede.
Anticipating unrest after Maulana Tauqeer Raza&rsquo;s call, the administration had heightened vigilance since Thursday evening. The Islamia ground and Bihari Pur areas were turned into a security zone, with barricades and heavy deployment. Yet by afternoon, people emerged in large numbers. After Friday prayers, the crowd turned into a procession, shouting slogans, which soon led to vandalism and tense conditions across the city.

Police baton-charge as Bareilly crowd turns unruly

Slogans, vandalism and police baton-charge spark tension in Bareilly

Clashes erupt in Bareilly after Friday prayers

Slogans, vandalism and police baton-charge spark tension in Bareilly

September 26, 2025 | 17:13 IST