Bareilly on High Alert Ahead of Friday Prayers After ‘I Love Muhammad’ Violence

Internet and mobile services will remain suspended in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun until 3 pm on Saturday, October 4, authorities said.

The clampdown, which began Thursday afternoon, covers SMS, mobile data, broadband, and wireless connections. Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said the measure aims to prevent the spread of rumours and communal tension via social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

Security has also been intensified in Bareilly, with police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed on the streets and drones patrolling the skies. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary warned officials that any lapse in duty would invite stern action.

The heightened alert follows violence last week in Bareilly over cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan’s call for a demonstration supporting the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. Though the protest was later cancelled, anger over the abrupt decision triggered clashes and stone-pelting incidents. Ahead of Friday prayers this week, senior cleric Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan of Ala Hazrat Dargah urged local Muslims to offer prayers peacefully and return home.

Authorities said armed forces are stationed at sensitive locations to prevent any spillover of violence to neighbouring districts.