‘Not a single person will be spared’: CM Yogi orders strict action, Maulana Tauqeer Raza arrested in Bareilly violence

Bareilly (The Uttam Hindu): The Yogi government has taken major action in the case of violent clashes and stone pelting that took place after Friday prayers in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Police have arrested IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza, considered the main accused in the case. Following this action early Saturday morning, the Maulana was produced in court and sent to jail. Due to security reasons, he is being transferred from Bareilly to Sitapur jail.

Following the day-long unrest on Friday, the police intensified their action late that night. At around 5 a.m. on Saturday, police detained Maulana Tauqeer Raza and conducted a medical examination. Just an hour later, at 6 a.m., he was produced in court, where he was sent to jail in judicial custody. Fifteen policemen were also injured in the stone-pelting that occurred during the violence. Police also arrested seven other supporters of the Maulana.

Upon receiving reports of deteriorating law and order in Bareilly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the situation with top officials late Friday night and Saturday morning. He ordered a firm response to the rioters, saying, "Not a single rioter will be spared. Such action will be taken that those who create chaos will not even think twice."

CM Yogi said bluntly, "Dussehra is a festival of burning evil and terror. Such action should be taken against the rioters that they will never even think of repeating this mistake. This is the right time to take decisive action against the rioters."

It is reported that the violence in Kanpur began at Khalil Tiraha near Kotwali police station after Friday prayers. Within minutes, the mob began pelting stones and firing at police in several areas of the city, creating a tense atmosphere.

This isn't the first time Maulana Tauqeer Raza's name has been embroiled in controversy. He is also accused in the horrific 2010 Bareilly riots, although that case is still pending in court. Recently, he also made controversial statements regarding the Gyanvapi incident by announcing a "Jail Bharo" movement.