Internet Suspended, Security Tightened in Bareilly Ahead of Friday Prayers

Amid simmering tensions in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, authorities have suspended internet services and stepped up security deployment ahead of Friday prayers at mosques. The precautionary measures follow last week’s violent clashes over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row.

Internet Ban Till Saturday

Internet services have been suspended in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts until 3 pm on Saturday, October 4. The suspension, which began at 3 pm on Thursday, coincides with Dussehra celebrations and is aimed at preventing the spread of rumours or provocative content through social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook.

According to a notification by Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal, the suspension also covers SMS, mobile data, broadband, and wireless connections.

Security Beefed Up, Drones Monitoring City

Authorities have deployed heavy security, including police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel across Bareilly. Drone surveillance has also been introduced to keep a close watch on sensitive areas.

“Officials must discharge their responsibilities with utmost seriousness. Any lapse will invite stern action,” warned Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary.

Bareilly has been divided into four super zones and four special zones for security arrangements, said SSP Anurag Arya, adding that religious leaders have been advised to return home after offering namaz.

What Sparked the Violence?

The unrest stems from cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan’s call for a demonstration in support of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. On September 27, around 2,000 protestors gathered outside a mosque in Bareilly. However, Raza abruptly called off the protest citing lack of permission, which angered the crowd. The situation escalated quickly into stone-pelting and clashes with police, leading to 81 arrests.

In anticipation of fresh tensions, Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan, the seniormost cleric of the Ala Hazrat Dargah, has appealed to local Muslims to maintain peace and return home after Friday prayers.

Authorities remain on high alert to ensure that disturbances do not spread beyond Bareilly to neighbouring districts.