Bareilly Violence: Internet Suspended For 48 Hours, Drones Deployed As City Put On High Alert

Lucknow: Taking a precautionary method, Uttar Pradesh government has decided to suspend internet in Bareilly district ahead of Friday prayers for 48 hours. The internet suspension came into affect on Thursday

at around 3 PM and will continue till October 4. Bareilly and several other districts have been put on high alert after the violence that took place in the district last week. The UP police has deployed additional forces in the city to maintain law and order in the district, forces are conducting regular flag march in the sensitive areas. The government has suspended the internet as a precaution to curb rumours and misinformation on social media.

Also Read: Bareilly Violence: UP ATS Uncovers 'Pak-Backed' Plot To Topple Government, Impose Sharia Rule – WATCH

Bareilly violence: 81 arrested after 'I Love Muhammad' poster row

So far, 81 people have been arrested in connection with Bareilly violence. The actions follow violent clashes in Bareilly on September 26, when a crowd of over 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to police personnel. The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a proposed protest over the 'I Love Muhammad' poster row called by Tauqeer Khan. According to the police, the protesters were incited by provocative messages on WhatsApp. Cleric Tauqeer Raza is said to have provoked the mob that led to the unrest.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered strict action against miscreants, saying that his government will not allow violence during festivals.On Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation initiated bulldozer action against Tauqeer Raza's relative, Maulana Mohsin Raza's property following his arrest in connection with the case. Demolition action targeted illegal structures linked to Mohsin Raza, including a garage built on encroached land.(With agency inputs)