Internet services in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly division have been suspended for 48 hours amid rising tensions over the “I Love Muhammad” poster row. The shutdown began on Thursday afternoon and will remain in effect till 3 pm on Saturday, coinciding with Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations. Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent rumours and provocative content from spreading on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube.
Heavy security has been deployed across the city, with additional forces from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) brought in. Police are also using drones to monitor sensitive areas. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary issued alerts for neighbouring districts including Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Budaun.
The tensions follow violent clashes last week in Bareilly’s Kotwali area, where around 2,000 people had gathered outside a mosque after Friday prayers. The protest was linked to the “I Love Muhammad” poster row and turned violent after cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan’s planned demonstration was cancelled.
So far, 81 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, and police said properties belonging to the accused have been demolished. On Wednesday, two men were arrested after an encounter in the city’s CB Ganj area, where both sustained bullet injuries before being taken into custody.
Police have registered 10 FIRs naming 180 people and 2,500 unidentified individuals. Cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, his aides and at least one family member are among those arrested.
A senior official said, “The internet shutdown and additional deployment are precautionary steps to ensure peace during the festive season.”
