Authorities in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have identified eight “illegal” properties linked to associates of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan for demolition, following violent clashes over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. The clashes erupted on September 26 when over 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers, protesting against the cancellation of a demonstration called by Khan. Police have since lodged 10 FIRs against 180 named and 2,500 unnamed persons, arresting Khan, his aides, and dozens of others. 

Teams from the Bareilly Development Authority and district administration sealed hotels, lawns, and other commercial establishments linked to Khan’s aides, Farhat and coloniser Mohammad Arif, accusing them of land encroachment and unauthorized construction. Shops built atop Pahalwan Sahab Dargah were also marked for demolition, while an FIR is being prepared against Arif for encroachment. Officials claimed that Faiq Enclave, where Khan’s associates reside, has become a “criminal hideout.”

Authorities have stepped up surveillance on the cleric’s supporters and financiers. So far, 73 people have been arrested as police continue to identify suspects through CCTV and drone footage. Internet services remain suspended across the district, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of “strict action.” Analysts note that the demolitions and mass arrests in Bareilly fit into a wider pattern of punitive actions against Muslims under the Hindutva-driven BJP regime in Uttar Pradesh. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)