Police on Saturday detained cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, following protests in Bareilly linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.
Tauqeer Raza Khan is a Islamic cleric from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. He leads the Ittehad-e-Millat Council and is a descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan, the founder of the Barelvi movement. He is active in both religious and political affairs.
Officials said gatherings took place outside Raza’s residence after Friday prayers, where people carried placards and raised slogans.
According to police, some protesters pelted stones, prompting a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. District Magistrate Avinash Singh stated that prior approval had not been given for any procession.
“We had told his representative clearly that no gathering would be allowed,” he said.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya added that most participants left peacefully but “a few individuals attempted to provoke others and move towards Islamia Ground.”
Authorities confirmed that seven people were arrested on the spot, and more than 40 have been taken into custody since. A case has also been filed against around 1,700 people on charges including rioting and obstructing government work.
The “I Love Muhammad” campaign has triggered controversy in several states after posters and slogans sparked counter-protests. Police have urged communities to maintain peace and warned of strict action against attempts to disturb law and order.
