Tension flared in Bareilly after protests led to clashes with police, resulting in multiple FIRs being registered across four police stations, including against Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Police confirmed that cases were filed in Kotwali, Baradari, Premnagar, and Kila stations.
At Baradari station, two separate FIRs were lodged. In one, 28 people were named along with 250 unidentified others, while in another, 18 individuals and 150 unidentified people were booked. Those named include Nadeem, Anees Saklaini, Sajid Saklaini, Wasim Tehcini, Adnan, Moeen Siddiqui, Faizullah Nabi, Kaleem Khan, and several others. Maulana Tauqeer Raza was also mentioned in the complaints.
The unrest escalated after a large group of protesters gathered in Kotwali and later in Shyamganj. Police officials tried to disperse the crowd peacefully, but when they refused to move, a lathi charge was ordered. Witnesses said that as soon as SSP Anurag Arya reached the spot holding a stick, someone from the crowd opened fire. In response, police charged at the protesters, causing them to flee. Fortunately, no one was injured in the firing.
DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni also joined the SSP in controlling the situation. Police forces chased the protesters from the fruit market to the old city, eventually bringing the situation under control. Authorities said the crowd had occupied the area for about an hour before being dispersed.
Heavy police deployment remains in place to prevent further disturbances.
