Islamist cleric supporters take to streets calling for ‘jail barro’, violence breaks out in UP Bareilly

Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly town witnessed several violent incidents on Friday as thousands of supporters of Islamic cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan took to the streets in response to his “jail barro” called to protest what he called “anti-Muslim policies by Islamic countries.” government”.

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

In Shehdana area, protesters attacked a motorcyclist and damaged several two-wheelers parked on the roadside.

In both locations, police used moderate force to disperse protesters, officials said.

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

“The government treats Muslims as enemies. We are against the government’s anti-Muslim policies,” Raza told reporters outside his residence after Friday prayers.

He tried to join protesters on the streets but was blocked by local authorities.

Bareilly Range Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar Singh told reporters: “Maulana Tauqeer Raza announced that he will be arrested due to government policy. He was Stopped and calmly asked to go home. The situation was calm and controlled. Sufficient police presence was deployed in the area.”

According to police sources, Khan on Thursday requested the district administration to allow him to make a call to the ‘Jail Barrow’ number, but his request was rejected citing the law and order situation.

The district administration also sealed off the madrasa grounds where Khan asked his supporters to gather.

District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said some people pelted stones at Shyamatganj market. Two people were injured in the incident, officials said, and the government has not yet identified them.

Officials said two FIRs have been registered in the matter and those responsible will be identified.

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

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

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)