Tensions Rise in Bareilly After Pro-Pakistan Slogans Erupt in Busy Market

Incident Sparks Panic in Bareilly

On Sunday, a bustling market area in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was thrown into chaos when a group of young men on motorcycles allegedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans. This incident led to widespread fear among local shopkeepers, prompting many to partially close their businesses for safety reasons. Authorities quickly responded by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against over a dozen individuals.

Officials reported the details on Monday, stating that the incident occurred in the Cantonment police jurisdiction at the Sadar market. The youths on motorcycles reportedly shouted slogans, causing shopkeepers to close their shops amid confusion and fear.

According to police, the main suspect is Kashif, the son of a former councilor, who is associated with Maulana Tauqeer Raza's Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). Raza has been incarcerated since September 27 of the previous year.

The unrest followed violent clashes in Bareilly on September 26, triggered by a controversial 'I Love Mohammad' poster, which led to Raza's imprisonment. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and have identified around 14 suspects so far.

Based on complaints, FIRs have been filed against two named suspects and several unidentified individuals under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Police Action and Arrests

Inspector Sanjay Dheer of the Cantonment police stated that after conducting overnight raids at various locations, six suspects, including two minors, have been taken into custody. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.

Following the filing of the FIR, police conducted a raid at Kashif's residence but found him missing. Violence erupted as Kashif's supporters gathered, during which the crowd allegedly attacked the police.

Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against all individuals found involved in the incident. A local resident named Vikas reported that he was standing near a computer shop around 12:20 PM when a group of youths carrying cricket bats rode by on motorcycles, shouting slogans.

Vikas claimed that when he protested, they allegedly assaulted him and threatened his life. Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Manush Parikh stated that police have been on high alert in the Cantonment area since Monday morning, and the law and order situation remains stable.