The violent flare-up in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on September 26 during the so-called ‘I Love Muhammad’ protests has triggered a strong crackdown by the police and a no-nonsense warning from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. What began as a gathering outside a mosque in Kotwali area soon turned into a violent confrontation, with mobs pelting stones, inciting unrest, and openly challenging law enforcement. The state machinery has since responded with swift arrests, property demolitions, and a stern message that lawlessness in the name of religion will never be tolerated in Uttar Pradesh.
73 Arrests and Conspiracies Unmasked
As investigations progressed, the Bareilly police confirmed that a total of 73 individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. Among the arrested is Nadeem Khan, a close aide of cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, the mastermind behind the unrest. Police revealed that Nadeem played a double game signing an appeal for protest issued by the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), only to later claim in WhatsApp messages that the document was fake. This deliberate attempt to mislead both the administration and the public was aimed at ensuring large Muslim gatherings at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers, escalating tensions.
Police also confirmed the arrest of habitual offenders, including a convicted cattle smuggler who was caught after being injured during an encounter. The authorities are treating this incident not as a spontaneous outbreak but as a well-orchestrated conspiracy driven by political and religious elements opposed to peace in Uttar Pradesh.
Demolition Drive Targets Illegal Properties
The Yogi Adityanath government, known for its bulldozer action against rioters and mafia networks, has extended the crackdown to properties linked with those accused. Illegal structures belonging to the conspirators are being sealed and demolished to send a clear message that those who disturb communal harmony will not be allowed to benefit from ill-gotten gains.
One such property belonged to Mohsin Raza, son-in-law of cleric Tauqeer Raza. His illegal construction was demolished by the administration soon after his arrest. Another key conspirator, Dr. Nafis, a former IMC spokesperson, is still absconding. His properties in the civil lines area of Bareilly have already been sealed. These decisive actions show that the government is determined to ensure accountability not only in terms of arrests but also in cutting off the economic base of those inciting violence.
Yogi’s Stern Warning Against Anarchy
Reacting strongly to the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had already issued a stern and uncompromising warning during his address in Balrampur. He reminded those attempting to disrupt law and order during festivals that the state would respond in a way that future generations would remember. In his words: “If anyone attempts to create mischief during the joy and enthusiasm of festivals, they will have to pay such a price that future generations will remember.”
Making it clear that Uttar Pradesh would not allow radical slogans like “Ghazwa-e-Hind” to gain traction, Yogi thundered that even imagining such concepts would lead people down a path to hell. “If someone wants to go to hell, let them try to create anarchy in the name of Ghazwa-e-Hind,” he declared, underscoring his government’s zero-tolerance approach to communal mischief.
A Reminder of Chhangur’s Fate
In a striking historical parallel, Yogi Adityanath referred to the infamous Jalaluddin, who disguised himself as “Chhangur Baba” to mislead Hindus and hide his anti-social activities. He warned that just as Chhangur’s misdeeds caught up with him, those currently hiding under false identities to spread violence and disharmony will meet the same fate. His words were not only a warning to communal elements but also a reassurance to the public that the state remains alert against those who exploit religion for anti-India and anti-Hindu agendas.
The Chief Minister emphasized that those living on Indian soil must respect the country’s peace and development. Anyone engaging in anti-national activities, he asserted, would be strictly confronted. This was a clear message to extremist elements that they cannot destabilize the state while enjoying its resources.
Development vs. Disruption
Yogi Adityanath’s warning also highlighted a larger truth: while the government is committed to peace and progress, there are always forces attempting to sabotage harmony. These incidents are not isolated but are designed to weaken India’s internal stability and derail Uttar Pradesh’s development path. By linking riots and unrest with illegal property ownership and anti-national activities, the state government is signaling a long-term strategy to eliminate both the physical and ideological roots of communal violence.
The police and administration have been instructed to stay alert and report any suspicious activities immediately. The message is clear—festivals are meant for joy, not for fueling hatred, and anyone who tries to distort this will face the full might of the law.
Law, Order, and Cultural Unity
The violent ‘I Love Muhammad’ protests in Bareilly were not just a law-and-order issue; they were a test of the Yogi Adityanath government’s resolve to uphold peace and protect citizens from radical elements. With 73 arrests, high-profile conspirators exposed, illegal properties demolished, and a firm warning issued, the state has shown that there is no space for anarchy in Uttar Pradesh.
Yogi Adityanath’s words resonate as both a warning and a reassurance—warning those who dare to challenge law and order, and reassuring millions of peace-loving citizens that their government will stand firm in defense of harmony and development. As Uttar Pradesh continues its journey of progress, the bulldozer of justice ensures that miscreants, however influential, will never succeed in disturbing the cultural unity of India’s heartland.