Bareilly: Internet suspended for 48hrs amid 'I Love Muhammad' row
What's the story
Internet services were suspended for 48 hours in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly division on Thursday amid ongoing tension over the 'I love Muhammad' poster row. The suspension will remain in force till 3:00pm on Saturday. This decision was taken in light of the Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations. The district administration fears that social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp could be misused to spread rumors and incite communal tension.
Security boost
Security beefed up in Bareilly
In addition to the internet suspension, security has been beefed up in Bareilly. The local police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force have been deployed to maintain law and order. Drones are also being used by security forces to keep an eye on the situation. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary has issued alerts for neighboring districts Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun as a precautionary measure.
Unrest details
Unrest in Bareilly over 'I love Muhammad' poster
The unrest in Bareilly intensified last week when 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers. The gathering turned violent with stone-pelting incidents as a protest over the "I love Muhammad" posters was canceled by cleric Tauqeer Khan. So far, 81 people have been arrested in connection with this violence and property belonging to the accused has been demolished.
Legal action
Police launch crackdown on rioters
The police have registered 10 FIRs against 180 named and 2,500 unnamed persons in connection with the violence. Khan, his aides, and dozens of others have been arrested as part of these investigations. On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Congress leaders Danish Ali and Imran Masood alleged they were put under "house arrest" while heading to Bareilly. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against those involved in the riots.