Authorities in Bareilly have suspended all internet services for 48 hours amid escalating tensions over the ongoing ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy. The blackout began at 3 PM on October 2 and will remain in effect until 3 PM on October 4, affecting mobile data, broadband, and SMS services across the district.

The administration stated that the decision was made to prevent the spread of misinformation through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, which could potentially incite further unrest. The timing of the shutdown coincides with upcoming Friday prayers and the Dussehra festivities, prompting concerns about large gatherings and public safety.

22 Cops Injured, Mob Dispersed with Tear Gas

The internet suspension follows a violent clash that erupted on September 26 in the Kotwali area of Bareilly, where over 2,000 people had assembled near a mosque after Friday prayers. The crowd had gathered in support of a demonstration originally announced by Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. As tensions rose, the situation turned violent, leading to stone-pelting, property damage, and injuries to 22 police personnel. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the mob.

So far, police have arrested 81 individuals in connection with the violence. Ten FIRs have been filed, including 180 named and nearly 2,500 unnamed accused. Authorities have also demolished properties linked to several of the accused. Among those detained are Shamsad, IMC’s district president, and multiple close associates and family members of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.

In a recent encounter in the CB Ganj locality, two individuals Idrees and Iqbal sustained bullet injuries and are currently receiving medical care while in custody. Police say Idrees has 20 criminal cases registered against him, while Iqbal is linked to 17 cases. Both were allegedly in contact with Nadeem Khan, a close aide of Tauqeer Raza Khan, believed to have played a central role in orchestrating the protests.

Senior police official Anurag Arya stated that the protest was planned with the intent to create unrest. He claimed that the accused tried to mislead the public by spreading confusion regarding the protest’s legitimacy, thereby gathering a large crowd under false pretenses.

Security Tightened Across 4 Districts Ahead

Meanwhile, the state has raised a high alert across four districts in the Bareilly division Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun. Police presence has been significantly reinforced, including deployment of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and surveillance drones. Authorities have been instructed to ensure heightened vigilance during public events such as Ramlila, Durga Puja, and Ravan Dahan.

Amid the crackdown, Congress leaders Danish Ali and Imran Masood have alleged they were placed under de facto house arrest by police to prevent them from visiting the troubled region. Masood, an MP from Saharanpur, said he planned a brief, peaceful visit to Bareilly but was not permitted to leave his home. “Democracy is being mocked. I wasn’t even allowed to step out, and innocent people are being targeted without cause,” he told the media.

Danish Ali, former MP from Amroha, shared a video online showing police vehicles outside his residence. He accused the state government of forcibly detaining him. “The administration has locked me inside my own home on the orders of a scared government. I just wanted to show support to those suffering injustice,” he wrote on social media.

He further alleged that the situation in Bareilly was intentionally inflamed and that law enforcement is being misused to suppress dissent. “Shops are being sealed, livelihoods are being destroyed, and innocent youth are being detained in the name of maintaining law and order,” he told reporters.

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary issued a stern directive to all district officials in the Bareilly division, warning that any lapse in duty during this sensitive period would result in disciplinary action. “Officials must carry out their responsibilities with complete seriousness,” he stated.

Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the internet ban was necessary to stop the circulation of provocative content. “We’re taking this step solely to preserve peace and avoid further communal disturbances,” he added.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also issued a warning, stating that those involved in violence or instigating unrest will face strict legal consequences. The police presence and additional forces are expected to remain in place until at least October 4, with continuous surveillance across sensitive zones.

As the region heads into a weekend packed with religious events and large public gatherings, the administration remains on edge, hoping to prevent any further flare-ups.