Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – In a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the September 26, 2025, Bareilly clash, the police have arrested a notorious gangster, Furqan, from Pilibhit district. He was allegedly hired to eliminate Mohammad Firdous Khan, also known as Ajum, a key witness in the violent incident that shook the city. The arrest came within 24 hours of a tip-off, and authorities recovered a pistol, two live cartridges, and ₹20,000 in cash from him. This arrest underscores the police’s continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks that exploit communal tensions for personal gain.

The incident of September 26, 2025, began as a planned demonstration in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, spearheaded by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). The demonstration was proposed to take place outside the cleric’s residence and at a nearby mosque in the Kotwali area of Bareilly after Friday prayers. However, following an official announcement that postponed the demonstration, a large crowd of supporters gathered in protest, eventually clashing with police. The violent confrontation included firing incidents, stone-pelting, and acts of looting at multiple locations within the city. In the wake of the clash, the police registered ten separate cases, and charge sheets have so far been filed in seven of them.

According to police officials, Mohammad Firdous Khan, a resident of Old City Chak Mahmood, played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement during the investigation of the September 26 clash. He helped identify several rioters who participated in the violence, providing essential information that contributed to the filing of charges against multiple individuals. As a result of his cooperation, Firdous became a target for retribution from those involved in orchestrating the attacks.

On December 18, Firdous was threatened at Chhmagadad Wale Bagh and warned to pay ₹10 lakh or face the risk of death. Soon after, he received information that Furqan, a well-known criminal, had been hired to assassinate him for a payment of ₹5 lakh. The situation escalated when Firdous began receiving repeated calls from unknown numbers, increasing anxiety for both him and his family. Concerned for their safety, Firdous approached the local police for protection.

Bareilly Police, acting swiftly on the tip-off, apprehended Furqan late on Saturday night from the Naktia area of Pilibhit. Furqan had been staying in a rented room near the Maria Frozen Meat Factory in the Cantt area, operating a tea stall as a cover while conducting reconnaissance on Firdous. During a search conducted in the presence of his wife, police recovered a pistol, two live rounds, and ₹20,000 in cash. SP Traffic Mohammad Akmal Khan and Circle Officer Pankaj Srivastava provided details during a press briefing held at the police lines auditorium on Sunday evening.

During questioning, Furqan admitted that he had been assigned the task by individuals he knew while in jail and that the plot to kill Firdous had been orchestrated at their behest. The police highlighted that Furqan has a long-standing criminal record, which includes cases of loot, attempted murder, and violations of both the Gangster Act and the Arms Act. These cases are registered across multiple police stations in Pilibhit and Bareilly, establishing Furqan as a dangerous criminal with extensive experience in executing violent crimes.

The arrest of Furqan has been seen as a crucial step in the broader investigation of the September 26 clash. Authorities are working to trace the network behind the plot to eliminate the key witness. The police believe that Furqan’s handlers, some of whom are still in jail, were seeking to silence Firdous to prevent him from providing further testimony that could implicate them in the riot. The swift capture of the gangster demonstrates the vigilance and rapid response of the Bareilly Police in addressing threats against individuals assisting law enforcement in sensitive cases.

The September 26 clash itself was triggered when supporters of Maulana Tauqeer Raza gathered outside his residence and a nearby mosque in protest against the postponement of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign demonstration. The crowd reportedly carried posters with slogans in support of the campaign, and tensions escalated into a violent confrontation with law enforcement personnel. According to the police, the demonstrators indulged in acts of stone-pelting, firing incidents, and looting, creating widespread chaos in parts of the city.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza and several of his close aides, including Nafees Khan, Nadeem Khan, and Munir Idrisi, have been named in multiple cases registered in connection with the clash. The police allege that these individuals played an active role in mobilizing the crowd and inciting attacks against police officers. Investigations into the remaining three cases are still ongoing. The involvement of prominent figures in the unrest has underscored the complex social dynamics surrounding communal tensions in Bareilly, making witness protection and law enforcement intervention critical components of maintaining public order.

The arrest of Furqan highlights the risks faced by individuals who cooperate with law enforcement in high-profile cases, particularly in situations involving communal violence. It also raises concerns about the persistence of criminal networks that continue to operate with impunity, often targeting witnesses to obstruct justice. Police officials have emphasized that protecting witnesses is a top priority, and efforts are underway to ensure that individuals like Firdous are safeguarded from retaliation while the investigation proceeds.

SP Traffic Mohammad Akmal Khan remarked on the arrest, stating, “The swift action taken by our team demonstrates our commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to threaten or harm key witnesses face immediate consequences. Furqan’s capture is a significant step in ensuring the safety of individuals cooperating with the police.” The police have also confirmed that further interrogations of Furqan are ongoing, with the aim of identifying other individuals involved in the plot and bringing them to justice.

Firdous, the intended target, has reportedly been placed under protective surveillance by the Bareilly Police to prevent any further attempts on his life. His cooperation has been critical in building the legal cases against several rioters and organizers of the September 26 clash. Authorities have reiterated that the safety of witnesses is crucial for the effective prosecution of criminal cases and the prevention of future violence.

The Bareilly Police’s handling of the case reflects broader challenges faced by law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh, where communal tensions and organized crime often intersect. The September 26 incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for social unrest to escalate into violence and the importance of swift police intervention to prevent loss of life and property. By apprehending Furqan and recovering the weapons and cash intended for the crime, authorities have demonstrated their capacity to disrupt criminal operations and deter similar plots in the future.

As investigations continue, the police are focusing on uncovering the full network behind Furqan’s contract killing assignment. Authorities are also reviewing security arrangements for other witnesses involved in the cases linked to the Bareilly clash to prevent further threats and ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations. The coming weeks are expected to reveal more details about the individuals orchestrating violence and targeting law-abiding citizens who step forward to assist the police.

The arrest of Furqan and the protective measures taken for Mohammad Firdous Khan serve as a crucial example of the police’s proactive role in maintaining law and order. While the September 26 clash left a lasting impact on the community, authorities have emphasized that justice will be pursued against those responsible for inciting violence, threatening witnesses, and undermining public safety. By addressing both the immediate threats and the broader criminal networks, the Bareilly Police aim to reinforce public confidence in the justice system and uphold the rule of law.

In conclusion, the arrest of Furqan, the gangster hired to assassinate a key witness in the September 26 Bareilly clash, represents a significant achievement for law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. With a criminal record spanning multiple offenses and extensive connections to incarcerated masterminds, Furqan’s capture not only prevents a potential murder but also sends a strong message to others attempting to obstruct justice. Authorities continue to investigate the wider network behind the plot and remain committed to ensuring the safety of witnesses, bringing perpetrators to justice, and restoring peace in the city of Bareilly.