Bareilly remained on edge Thursday as authorities suspended all internet services—including mobile data, broadband, and SMS—across the district, citing fears of unrest during Friday’s congregational prayers. The suspension, in effect from 3 p.m. on October 2 until 3 p.m. on October 4, was announced through a government order.
Security has been ramped up across four districts in the Bareilly division, with heavy police deployment on the streets and surveillance drones monitoring the skies. Several sensitive neighborhoods resembled fortified zones, with roads and lanes left deserted. “Internet will remain suspended for 48 hours, considering the sensitivity of the situation,” city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri said.
The precaution follows last week’s clashes after Friday prayers during a procession linked to the “I Love Muhammad” row, which saw police resort to lathi charges. Over 80 people have since been arrested, including cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan, along with his associates Dr. Nafees Khan and Nadeem Khan.
From Dargah Ala Hazrat’s Sunni Markaz, Jamaat Raza-e-Mustafa national vice-president Salman Hasan Khan appealed to imams and the public to maintain calm, avoid rumors, and offer special prayers for peace during Friday sermons.
In Muslim-majority areas, unease persisted amid ongoing administrative crackdowns. The Bareilly Development Authority has begun surveying properties for illegal construction. “Action is being taken at every level against rioters and their supporters. Every illegal brick will be accounted for,” said vice-chairman Manikandan A, warning that sealing and demolition will follow violations.
Elsewhere in western UP, authorities moved to restrict political leaders from reaching Bareilly. In Saharanpur, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was placed under house arrest after announcing plans to meet families affected by the violence. “His presence in Bareilly might lead to law-and-order issues,” Saharanpur SSP Ashish Tiwari said. Azad, however, accused the government of using police to silence victims and opposition voices, demanding an impartial probe.
Similarly, on Wednesday, Congress leaders Imran Masood and Kunwar Danish Ali were also placed under house arrest to prevent their visit to Bareilly.
