Drones patrol skies, internet cut as Bareilly placed on alert amid “I Love Muhammad” row

Security has been significantly bolstered across four districts in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly division following tensions related to the “I Love Muhammad” poster controversy. Armed police forces, drones, and rapid action units have been deployed to maintain order as authorities suspended internet, broadband, and SMS services in Bareilly for 48 hours.

The suspension, effective from 3 pm on Oct 2 to 3 pm on Oct 4, was ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government citing concerns that social media platforms and messaging applications could spread rumors and incite communal unrest.

Meanwhile, districts including Bareilly, Pilibhit, Budaun, and Shahjahanpur have been put on high alert.

The unrest traces back to earlier protests over posters bearing the slogan "I Love Muhammad," which critics claimed were provocative. On September 26, after Friday prayers, hundreds gathered around Islamia Ground in Bareilly. Tensions escalated as some protestors lobbed stones, and police resorted to lathi charges and tear gas. At least 50 people were arrested, and 10 policemen were reported injured.

Authorities say the protest had been called off at the last minute by cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, citing lack of permission from the administration. Yet many supporters turned up regardless, leading to clashes.

Khan and seven of his associates were arrested and sent to judicial custody, along with dozens more detained.

In the wake of the violence, law enforcement has broadened its crackdown. Seven individuals were arrested in Pilibhit for posting allegedly offensive content targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. FIRs have been filed across multiple districts under sections relating to incitement, public mischief, and electronic offenses.

The decision to curtail communications comes amid the Dussehra festival period, a time of large public gatherings. Officials say the suspension is a preemptive measure to block the spread of incendiary content online.

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra Chaudhary has warned district-level officials that any lapse in maintaining public order will lead to disciplinary action.

Senior police official Anurag Arya stated in media remarks that the unrest may have been premeditated, with agitators seeking to exploit the situation.

With stringent measures now in place, security forces are expected to remain in the region until tensions subside. The state government views the heightened response as essential to safeguarding communal harmony during sensitive religious observances.