Internet shut down for 48 hrs in UP’s Bareilly over ‘I love Muhammad’ poster row amid Dussehra festivities

The order was issued amid ongoing unrest over the ‘I love Muhammad’ poster row and heightened security concerns during Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations.

Police have been instructed to maintain vigilance at Ramlila and Ravan Dahan venues, which attract large crowds.

In its directive, the district administration said “there is a possibility of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp... being misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension.”

The order stressed the measure was necessary to maintain peace.

Security has been significantly reinforced.

Alongside local police, units of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed. Drones are also being used to monitor sensitive areas.

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary extended alerts to neighbouring Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts, placing security agencies on watch.

The move comes after violence erupted last week when around 2,000 people clashed with police outside a mosque in Bareilly’s Kotwali area following Friday prayers.

The unrest stemmed from the cancellation of a protest over the poster row by cleric Tauqeer Khan.

Stone-pelting was reported, and 81 arrests have since been made.

Authorities also demolished properties belonging to the accused.

On Wednesday, two more arrests were made after an encounter in the city’s CB Ganj area, where the men sustained bullet injuries and are receiving treatment in police custody, a senior officer confirmed.

Tauqeer Raza Khan, several of his aides, and at least one relative are also behind bars.

So far, police have registered 10 FIRs against 180 named individuals and 2,500 unnamed persons in connection with the unrest. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against rioters.