Muslim Leader Shot in Leg During Police Crackdown in Bareilly Over “I Love Muhammad” Campaign

Bareilly: Tensions remain high in Bareilly after Uttar Pradesh police shot Tazim, the district president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), in the leg during an attempted arrest linked to protests over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.

According to police, the arrest team went to apprehend Tazim on Tuesday in connection with the unrest that followed Friday prayers on September 26. Officials claim Tazim opened fire on them with a country-made pistol, prompting police to retaliate in self-defence. He was shot in the leg and is currently receiving treatment under police custody.

“Tazim fired at our team. In self-defence, we had to return fire and he was injured,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Manush Pareek at a press briefing.

Tazim is known to be a close aide of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the chief of the IMC and a well-known Muslim cleric in Bareilly. Police added that Tazim had previous charges under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act and was also linked to a case related to cow slaughter.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan himself was arrested last Saturday and sent to 14-day judicial custody.

The arrest of Tazim marks a significant escalation in the ongoing crackdown on the IMC and those allegedly involved in the recent protest. Police have so far arrested 73 people in connection with the incident. Among those taken into custody on Tuesday are 17 individuals, including a 15-year-old minor. They face multiple charges under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and other laws.

The protest in Bareilly was reportedly sparked by the circulation of “I Love Muhammad” posters. Violence broke out shortly after Friday prayers, when large groups gathered to submit a memorandum to the President of India.

Local residents and rights groups have raised concerns over the police action, claiming that authorities have been detaining Muslim youths and even minors without informing families. Reports have also surfaced about bulldozer demolitions targeting properties belonging to Muslims, drawing criticism from opposition parties and civil rights organisations.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has promised strict action against those it accuses of inciting violence. However, critics have condemned the sweeping arrests and demolition drives, calling them acts of “collective punishment” against the Muslim community.

Despite official claims that several police personnel were injured in the clashes, drone footage reviewed by news outlet Maktoob reportedly shows police initiating the crackdown by lathi-charging protesters who had gathered peacefully near the mosque.

Security remains tight in Bareilly, with a heavy police presence throughout the city as tensions continue to simmer.