Published on: September 27, 2025 at 16:30
As someone who closely follows developments on law and order across India, the recent unrest in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly caught my attention not just for the violence but also for the political and social undercurrents it highlights. The “I Love Muhammad” campaign, which was meant to be a peaceful expression of devotion, ended up sparking clashes and a heavy police crackdown. What followed was a strong message from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who made it clear that law and order will not be compromised under his administration.
In this blog, I’ll break down what triggered the clashes, how the government responded, and what this means for future protests in Uttar Pradesh.
What Triggered the Bareilly Unrest?
Tension broke out on Friday in Bareilly after several protestors gathered near a mosque following Friday prayers. The protest was reportedly in response to an FIR filed by Kanpur police over an “I Love Muhammad” board displayed during the Barawafat procession on September 4.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh confirmed that Section 163 of the BNSS (a prohibitory order) had already been imposed in the area, and Tauqeer Raza’s representatives were informed that no march or public gathering was permitted. Despite this, a crowd started gathering near cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s residence and attempted to march towards Islamia Ground.
According to Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya, around 80–90% of the crowd dispersed peacefully after prayers, but a small section attempted to instigate unrest. This led to clashes with police, stone-pelting, and chaos in the area. Over 40 people have been detained, and a case has been registered against 1,700 unidentified individuals under sections related to rioting, obstruction of government duty, and assault on police personnel.
Yogi Adityanath’s Zero-Tolerance Message
A day later, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful message during a ‘Viksit UP’ event, warning that any attempt to disrupt peace will be dealt with firmly. Without directly naming Tauqeer Raza, he remarked:
“Yesterday, a Maulana forgot who is in power in the state. He thought he could halt the system whenever he wanted, but we made it clear that there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. The lesson we have taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”
His statement underlined the state government’s zero-tolerance policy for riots and unlawful gatherings. The message was not just for Bareilly but for anyone planning to disturb peace and order in the state.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
Police have detained Tauqeer Raza and placed him under custody for interrogation. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni told PTI that the incident appeared to be a “pre-planned conspiracy” and assured that video footage and digital evidence will be used to identify and punish all those involved.
Security remains tight in Bareilly, with Section 163 still in force. The administration is making sure no further protests are held without written permission. Officials have also suggested that external elements might have played a role in inciting violence, which is now under investigation.
My Personal View
The Bareilly unrest highlights a deeper issue about balancing freedom of expression and law and order. While peaceful protests are a constitutional right, any gathering that leads to violence risks harming the very cause it represents. In my view, Yogi Adityanath’s tough stance was necessary to prevent escalation and send a message that law enforcement cannot be challenged casually.
Moving forward, it’s important for religious leaders and community representatives to engage in dialogue with authorities before calling for public protests. Social media-driven mobilizations without proper permissions often end up creating more tension than solutions.
If this incident teaches us anything, it is that peaceful negotiation is always more powerful than street confrontation. Uttar Pradesh’s administration will likely continue tightening its grip on public gatherings, and citizens must learn to express dissent responsibly to avoid further conflict.