Bareilly Violence: How It Started, Timeline, Police Actions, and CM Yogi’s Response
Bareilly Violence 2025
The Bareilly violence of September 2025 erupted during a protest linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, leading to clashes between protesters and police. The incident shook the city and prompted a firm response from the Uttar Pradesh government. This article provides a detailed timeline of events, police measures taken—including bulldozer actions and encounters—and notable statements from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the unrest.
How Bareilly Violence Started
Violence in Bareilly began on Friday, 26 September 2025, after Friday prayers at the Kotwali mosque when a large crowd gathered with placards bearing the slogan “I Love Muhammad.” The protest was initially planned but did not have formal permission. Police attempted to prevent the gathering from proceeding with a march, leading to confrontations. The situation escalated as some in the crowd began pelting stones at police, prompting a lathi charge and use of tear gas.
The protest soon degenerated into widespread violence, with mobs attacking property and setting vehicles ablaze in various parts of the city, including Alamgiriganj and Civil Lines. Several police personnel were injured during the clashes, and panic spread across the city.
Timeline of Events in Bareilly Violence
26 September (Friday afternoon): After Friday prayers, protesters gathered in large numbers for the “I Love Muhammad” march. Police efforts to disperse the crowd were met by stone-pelting.
26 September (evening): Violence escalated with mob attacks on shops and vehicles. Police initiated a crackdown.
27 September (early morning): Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council and a key accused, was arrested along with several others. More than 80 people were detained overall.
Late September: Ongoing investigations revealed the unrest was pre-planned with conspirators coordinating through messages. Enforcement actions included sealing and demolition of illegal properties connected to the accused.
Bulldozer Actions and Police Encounters
Following the violence, the Uttar Pradesh police initiated robust measures, including widespread bulldozer operations targeting illegal constructions linked to the accused. Several properties belonging to close aides of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan were demolished, including unpermitted warehouses and commercial establishments. These actions aimed to dismantle the logistical bases used to incite the violence, conducted under heavy police and paramilitary security.
Additionally, multiple police encounters have taken place involving accused individuals resisting arrest or firing at police. Key arrests followed these encounters, including that of two men named Idrees and Iqbal who were injured in gunfire and are currently under medical treatment in police custody. Weapons recovered from these arrests include a government-issued anti-riot gun stolen during the riots and country-made pistols. The police confirmed that the crackdown will continue until complete order and peace are restored in the city.
Casualties and Injuries
No deaths have been reported from the violence or subsequent law enforcement operations. However, there were multiple injuries including police officers and some accused during the encounters. At least 10 police personnel were injured during the initial clashes, with several injured during encounters with accused persons who fired upon the police. The two accused injured in recent encounters remain hospitalised under police custody.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Statement on Bareilly Violence
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the violence with stern words during the “Viksit Uttar Pradesh Vision 2047” event soon after the incident. He warned that no disruption of law and order would be tolerated in the state.
Highlighting the Bareilly unrest, CM Yogi said, “Yesterday, a Maulana forgot who holds power in the state. He thought he could block roads and halt governance at will. We made it clear that there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. However, the lesson taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”
He criticised past governments for their leniency towards criminals and said his administration was committed to strict action, including bulldozer drives, against those dividing society in the name of caste or religion. Yogi reiterated that Uttar Pradesh’s developmental story is being written by ensuring peace and security in the state.
Conclusion
The Bareilly violence posed a major challenge to Uttar Pradesh’s law enforcement and governance. However, swift police action, bulldozer drives, and a firm stance from the state government helped restore order quickly. The ongoing investigations and crackdowns aim to dismantle the networks behind the violence, deterring future unrest while securing peace for all citizens.
