Tauqeer Raza, a local cleric and chief of Ittehad-e-millat Council, was detained by Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday after his calls for protest supporting the “I love Muhammad” campaign led to Chaos in Bareilly. Multiple arrests were made in connection with the clashes on Friday.
FIRs against Raza and about 1700 unidentified individuals were filed in four police stations following the riots under sections of rioting, obstruction of government work, and assault on police personnel.
Before the riots, Raza made an announcement postponing the proposed demonstration in support of the I love Muhammad campaign in the city. Protesters then gathered outside Raza’s house, raising slogans and placards with “I love Muhammad” written on them, angry over the one-minute suspension. A clash between a large crowd and police followed outside a mosque. About 8 people were arrested.
The chaos erupted in the area after Friday prayers as police lathi-charged protesters who pelted stones. Officials said that at least 10 policemen were injured in the clash.
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A heavy security force has now been deployed in the area.
What is the 'I love Muhammad' campaign?
The “I love Muhammad’ campaign dates back to September 9, when an FIR was registered against nine persons along with 15 unidentified individuals for allegedly installing boards with the phrase on a public board in Kanpur. Hindu organizations had called the posters a deliberate provocation and a “new trend.” The matter escalated after AIMIN chief Asaduddin Owaisi made a post asserting that saying “I Love Muhammad” was not a crime.
Earlier at a press conference, Tauqeer Raza pointed out alleged derogatory remarks against the Prophet in various parts of the country.