Bareilly Cleric Arrested After 'I Love Muhammad' Protest Turns Violent
Cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan and seven others have been arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody following violent clashes in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The unrest erupted after a protest called by Khan, supporting the 'I love Muhammad' campaign, was denied permission by authorities. Following Friday prayers, demonstrators clashed with police, who accused Khan of using inflammatory speeches to incite the violence. The controversy began after some groups objected to 'I Love Muhammad' posters being used during religious processions in the state.
Unpacked:
Tauqeer Raza Khan is an influential Islamic scholar and politician from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. He founded the Ittehad-e-Millat Council political party and is a prominent Barelvi cleric known for his activism and occasional controversies in Indian Muslim politics.
The 'I Love Muhammad' campaign promotes reverence for the Prophet Muhammad among Muslims. It became controversial in Uttar Pradesh when some groups objected to posters from the campaign being displayed during religious processions, leading to tensions and official restrictions.
Authorities accuse Tauqeer Raza Khan of using inflammatory speeches to incite violence during the protest, which led to clashes between demonstrators and the police. He has been named in multiple police cases related to the unrest.
Yes, Tauqeer Raza Khan has previously faced accusations of inciting communal tensions and was arrested during riots in Bareilly in 2010. His public statements and activism have often drawn controversy and criticism.