What Actions Are Authorities Taking in Bareilly After Recent Violence?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bulldozer operations target alleged illegal constructions linked to violence.
- Political leaders face restrictions on visiting affected areas.
- Authorities claim actions are routine and not related to recent events.
- Community tensions remain high amid ongoing political disputes.
- Calls for justice are echoed by opposition leaders and local residents.
Bareilly, Oct 4 (NationPress) On Saturday, local authorities initiated a bulldozer operation targeting alleged illegal constructions associated with Maulana Tauqeer, who is accused of orchestrating last week’s violence in the city, along with his close associates.
The Bareilly Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the Bareilly Development Authority, commenced the demolition amidst a significant police presence.
Bulldozers arrived at Raza Palace, reportedly linked to Dr Nafees, a trusted aide of Maulana Tauqeer, causing alarm in the vicinity.
Officials indicated that the operation aimed to eliminate “permanent encroachments.”
A signboard at Raza Palace labeled it as the residence of Shoyeb Beg, the son of the late Athar Hussain Beg, a former PCS officer. Additionally, the corporation conducted a separate removal effort in the tourist area, demolishing shops constructed over drainage systems.
Muncipal Commissioner Sanjeev Kumar Maurya asserted that this action was part of routine operations. “The removal of permanent encroachments is a standard procedure executed periodically. It is unrelated to last week’s violence,” he asserted in a statement to IANS.
To avert further unrest, senior officials, supported by a large police force, conducted a flag march in troubled areas, urging residents to uphold peace.
Earlier that day, a group of SP leaders, including MPs Iqra Hasan and Mohibbullah Nadvi, intended to visit Bareilly to meet individuals affected by the violence.
However, they were halted en route by a heavy police presence after departing from the residence of Rajya Sabha MP Harendra Singh Malik.
The Samajwadi Party accused the authorities of deliberately targeting its leaders.
Neeraj Maurya, SP MP from Amla, was reportedly placed under house arrest along with other local leaders.
Speaking to IANS, Maurya expressed, “The reasons for our confinement remain unclear. I aimed to engage with the community and convey their concerns to the authorities to prevent the harassment of innocent individuals. This administrative action is unlawful – it constitutes a violation of democracy.”
This political conflict arises amidst tensions in Bareilly over the contentious 'I Love Muhammad' slogan, which ignited clashes last week.
Ziaur Rahman Barq, also part of the delegation, vehemently criticized police actions that obstructed their visit, deeming it undemocratic and unjustified.
“If the police and government in Bareilly claim that everything is normal and devoid of issues, then what justification exists for preventing our access? We firmly oppose this and wish to engage with victim families and compile an accurate report to aid them in seeking justice,” Barq stated.