Bareilly on Edge: Inflammatory Posters Ignite Political Firestorm Amidst Cleric's Protest Call

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, finds itself grappling with escalating tensions following a series of communal clashes and the emergence of highly inflammatory posters. These provocative visual materials, plastered across the city, have not only targeted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath but also prominently featured cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, fueling an already volatile atmosphere.

The district administration and police have swiftly responded, registering multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) and initiating arrests to curb the potential for widespread unrest.

The current wave of agitation traces back to cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, who had called for a 'Jail Bharo' (fill jails) protest march.

His intention was to protest against what he termed police brutality and the alleged extrajudicial killings of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed. Khan's rhetoric and the subsequent call for a mass protest created a charged environment, which was further exacerbated by the appearance of the controversial posters.

These inflammatory posters depicted CM Yogi Adityanath in a highly negative light, drawing comparisons to historical figures perceived as antagonists.

Simultaneously, they elevated Tauqeer Raza Khan, portraying him as a figure leading the charge against alleged injustice. The content and placement of these posters were clearly designed to provoke, drawing immediate attention and condemnation from various quarters.

Bareilly's police force acted decisively.

An FIR was registered against Tauqeer Raza Khan and approximately 20 named individuals, along with 200-250 unidentified persons, under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 505(2) (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes).

This swift legal action was accompanied by a significant increase in police presence across sensitive areas of the city, with patrolling intensified and security personnel deployed to prevent any further untoward incidents.

Several arrests have already been made in connection with the posters and the instigation of unrest.

Police officials have stated their firm resolve to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in creating and distributing the inflammatory material, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony.

The political landscape also reacted sharply.

Leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rallied in defense of CM Yogi Adityanath, condemning the posters and accusing Tauqeer Raza Khan of attempting to incite communal disharmony for political gain. They highlighted the Chief Minister's commitment to law and order and his unwavering stance against criminal elements, asserting that such provocative acts would not deter the government's efforts.

Despite the police action and the political backlash, Tauqeer Raza Khan maintained his stance, denying direct involvement in the poster campaign but reiterating his right to protest peacefully.

He asserted that the posters were a reaction from the public and not directly orchestrated by him, even while continuing to voice his criticisms against the administration. The unfolding events in Bareilly underscore the delicate balance authorities must maintain in managing dissent and ensuring peace, especially when political and religious sentiments are intertwined and running high.