Violence in UP’s Bareilly as supporters of Islamic cleric hit the streets on ‘jail bharo’ call

Bareilly (UP): Bareilly town in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a few incidents of violence on Friday as thousands of supporters of Islamic cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan came out on streets in response to his call for “jail bharo” in protest against what he called “anti-Muslim policies of the government”.

At least two people were injured as the protesters pelted stones in the busy Shyamatganj market in the Baradari police station area, police said.

In Shehdana area, the protesters attacked a person riding a motorcycle and damaged a few two-wheelers parked on the roadside.

In both places, police used mild force to disperse the protesters, officials said.

Thousands of Khan’s supporters gathered near the Islamia College ground of Biharipur under Kotwali police station and raised slogans, officials said.

“The government is treating Muslims as an enemy. We are against the anti-Muslim policies of the government,” Raza told reporters outside his residence after the Friday prayers.

He tried to join the protesters on streets but was stopped by the local administration.

Inspector General of Police of Bareilly Range Rakesh Kumar Singh told reporters, “Maulana Tauqeer Raza had announced that he would court arrest against the policies of the government. He was stopped and peacefully asked to return home. The condition is peaceful and under control. Sufficient police force has been deployed in the area.”

According to police sources, Khan had on Thursday sought permission from the district administration for his “jail bharo” call, but his request was declined citing the law and order situation.

The district administration also sealed the Islamia College ground where Khan had asked his supporters to gather.

District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said some people pelted stones at the Shyamatganj market. Two people were injured in the incident and the administration is yet to identify them, officials said.

Two FIRs have been registered regarding the matter and those responsible will be identified, the officials said.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, a Barelvi cleric, is the head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), a political organisation.

He is a direct descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, the founder of Barelvi sect of Sunni Islam.