Bareilly On High Alert: Drones Deployed, Internet Suspended For 48 Hours

The Bareilly division in Uttar Pradesh has been placed on high alert ahead of Dussehra festivities, with police, PAC, and RAF personnel deployed across the streets and drones monitoring the skies.

The state government has also ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet services in Bareilly, reported PTI citing officials. Mobile internet, broadband, and SMS services will remain suspended from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4, according to a home department notification.

Reason for the Precaution

The heightened security comes after a clash on September 26 in Kotwali, which escalated into stone-pelting during a protest over the "I Love Muhammad" poster campaign.

Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal explained the move, stating:

"There is a possibility of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp being misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension. This step is being taken to maintain peace and public order."

High Alert Across Four Districts

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts. Police have been instructed to remain vigilant at Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan programmes, which attract large crowds.

Chaudhary warned:

"All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action."

Officials stated that intelligence agencies are on alert, with teams deployed in the field. An official added:

"Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that disturbances witnessed in Bareilly do not spill over to neighbouring districts."

The 'I Love Muhammad' Row

The vigilance follows clashes on September 26, when around 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in Kotwali after Friday prayers in support of the "I Love Muhammad" campaign led by Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.

In the absence of the Maulana, the gathering turned violent, resulting in vandalism of shops and vehicles. Police responded with a lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the mob, during which 22 policemen were injured.

Authorities have registered 10 FIRs across multiple stations, naming 125 accused along with nearly 3,000 unidentified individuals. Maulana Tauqeer Raza has been named in seven of these cases, and as of Wednesday, 81 people have been arrested in connection with the September 26 violence.