Bareilly Erupts: IMC Chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan Threatens Police Officer Over 'I Love Muhammad' Posters

Tensions flared in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, following a contentious incident involving the chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, and local law enforcement. Khan has been booked by the police after he publicly issued a stern threat against SP Bareilly City, Rahul Bhati, following the removal of religious posters ahead of Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations.

The controversy began when supporters of the IMC put up numerous "I Love Muhammad" posters across the city in preparation for the upcoming festival.

However, police, led by SP Rahul Bhati, initiated an action to remove several of these posters, particularly those reportedly placed on private property without due permission. This move quickly drew the ire of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan.

Addressing a gathering, Khan lashed out at SP Bhati, issuing a direct and inflammatory threat.

"He will find no place to hide," Khan declared, accusing the police of bias and selectively targeting posters in certain areas while ignoring similar displays elsewhere. The IMC chief staunchly defended the placement of the posters, asserting that they were put up on private property with the necessary permissions, challenging the police's justification for their removal.

The Bareilly police, however, responded swiftly to Khan's public threats.

An First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These include Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), and Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).

SP Bareilly City Rahul Bhati confirmed the registration of the FIR, stating that appropriate legal action would be taken against the IMC chief for his provocative statements and threats.

This incident is not the first time Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan has found himself at the center of controversy. He has a history of making strong, often inflammatory, public statements, including past calls for a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' in solidarity with protesting wrestlers and support for agitating farmers.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between religious expression, public order, and the rule of law in the region.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation of tensions as the investigation proceeds against the prominent religious and political leader.