Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), October 28, 2025 — The judicial custody of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) and a prominent cleric accused of instigating last month’s violence in Bareilly, has been extended for another 14 days. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 11, while Raza continues to remain behind bars at Fatehgarh Central Jail, where he has been lodged since September 27.
The decision came on Tuesday after Raza was produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Alka Pandey via video-conferencing from jail. The authorities said the remote appearance was arranged due to ongoing law-and-order concerns surrounding his case.
According to Senior Prosecution Officer Lavlesh Singh, the extension was granted following the court’s review of investigation updates and procedural requirements. Singh noted that the police and prosecution had requested the continuation of judicial custody in view of pending witness statements and forensic evidence collection.
Background: The “I Love Mohammad” Poster Row and Subsequent Violence
The case stems from violent clashes that erupted in Bareilly in late September, following a dispute over religious posters bearing the slogan “I Love Mohammad.” The controversy began after Raza’s supporters reportedly displayed the posters across several localities in the city, leading to objections from other groups.
Tensions escalated on September 26, when Raza addressed a public gathering in Bareilly. According to police reports, soon after the meeting dispersed, a mob allegedly attacked security personnel and vandalized public property. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, prompting a heavy deployment of police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units to restore order.
Over the following 48 hours, the city witnessed sporadic incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and clashes, forcing authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC and temporarily shut down mobile internet services to prevent the spread of rumors.
Ten FIRs Registered, Raza Named in Seven Initially
The Bareilly Police registered a total of ten First Information Reports (FIRs) at various police stations across the city in connection with the violence. These included five FIRs at the Kotwali police station, and the remaining at Subhash Nagar, Baradari, and Prem Nagar.
Maulana Tauqeer Raza was named as a primary accused in seven of the FIRs, with his name later added during the investigation in the remaining three. The police have charged him under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those pertaining to rioting, criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between religious groups, and assault on public servants.
According to officials, more than 60 people have been detained so far in connection with the violence, while several others are under police watch. The investigation team has also been analyzing video footage and social media content to identify others allegedly involved in inciting unrest.
Previous Proceedings and Ongoing Custody
Raza, who was arrested on September 27, was initially remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by the CJM court. His custody was later extended on October 14, and again on October 28.
Officials said that the practice of producing Raza through video-conferencing will continue due to security considerations. Authorities believe that his physical production in court could attract large gatherings of supporters and potentially disrupt public order in Bareilly and surrounding areas.
Raza’s legal team has reportedly argued that the charges against him are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices. His counsel is expected to move for bail in the coming week, though the prosecution has indicated it will strongly oppose any such application, citing the “gravity of the offense” and the “potential risk of influencing witnesses.”
Older Cases and Past Controversies
This is not the first time Maulana Tauqeer Raza has faced legal trouble. The cleric, who also heads the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, a socio-political outfit based in Bareilly, has previously been named in cases related to the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Police records show that he was booked under multiple sections for allegedly making inflammatory remarks during public speeches at the time. While some of those cases remain under trial, Raza has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his speeches have been misinterpreted.
A descendant of the revered Ala Hazrat family of Bareilly, Raza wields significant influence among sections of the Barelvi Muslim community. His statements have often drawn both support and criticism — with admirers calling him a champion of minority rights and detractors accusing him of stoking sectarian tensions.
Law Enforcement and Administrative Response
Following last month’s unrest, the Bareilly administration launched a comprehensive review of the local law-and-order apparatus. Several police officers were transferred, and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted to probe the causes and triggers of the violence.
According to official sources, the SIT is focusing on determining whether the violence was spontaneous or premeditated, and whether speeches or messages from any religious leaders contributed to incitement. Authorities are also investigating potential funding links and digital coordination that may have amplified the unrest.
Bareilly District Magistrate Shiva Kant Dwivedi told reporters earlier that the administration is taking every measure to ensure peace in the district. “We are committed to upholding law and order and will not allow anyone, irrespective of position or influence, to disturb social harmony,” he said.
Meanwhile, police officials have been holding community meetings to build trust and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Special attention is being paid to sensitive areas where communal tensions have flared in the past.
Community Reaction and Political Undercurrents
Raza’s detention has evoked mixed reactions across Bareilly. His supporters have held small-scale protests, demanding his release and calling the charges fabricated. However, several local leaders and social organizations have appealed for calm, urging people to let the legal process take its course.
Political observers note that the case has wider implications in the run-up to the 2025 Uttar Pradesh civic elections. Some parties have sought to use the incident to highlight issues of communal polarisation and state policing practices.
Analysts say Raza’s case underscores the persistent challenge for law enforcement in managing religious sensitivities and free speech in a politically charged environment. “The balancing act between ensuring security and protecting civil liberties becomes especially complex when the accused is a community leader,” said Lucknow-based political analyst R.K. Srivastava.
Security Measures Continue
Security remains tight in and around Bareilly city, especially in neighborhoods that witnessed clashes. Police patrols have been intensified, and CCTV surveillance has been upgraded in key areas. The administration has also warned of strict action against those spreading rumors on social media platforms.
Officials from the Bareilly Range Police said the investigation is “progressing steadily” and that charge sheets in at least two FIRs could be filed soon. The police are reportedly in touch with forensic experts to analyze seized digital evidence, including videos, messages, and audio recordings from the day of the violence.
What Lies Ahead
As the judicial proceedings continue, the next hearing on November 11 will determine whether Raza’s custody will be extended further or whether the court allows him bail. The outcome could influence both the pace of the investigation and the political atmosphere in the region.
For now, authorities remain cautious. While the city has returned to normalcy, the undercurrents of tension persist. The administration’s challenge lies in maintaining that fragile peace while ensuring accountability for those involved in the violence.
As Bareilly awaits the next court hearing, Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s case continues to be a flashpoint — symbolizing the delicate intersection of religion, politics, and law enforcement in one of Uttar Pradesh’s most sensitive districts.
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