UP Court Calls Maulana Tauqeer Raza 'Mastermind' Of 2010 Bareilly Riots, Asks Him To Appear On March 11

The 2010 Bareilly riot's aftermath saw arrests, including that of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who faced allegations of inciting violence through inflammatory speeches.

File Photo of cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza ( Image Source :PTI )

The Additional Session Judge's Court in Uttar Pradesh recognised cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza as the mastermind behind the 2010 riots in Bareilly, issuing a summons for March 11. Raza was accused in the aftermath of the clashes that engulfed the city.

The conflict originated on March 2, 2010, stemming from disputes over the route of the Barawafat procession in Chahbai. A scuffle between Hindu and Muslim groups ensued, which quickly escalated into widespread violence across different localities, according to a report by Frontline. Hindu and Muslim factions engaged in stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism, resulting in chaos and destruction.

The procession, typically observed by Sunni Muslims of the Barelvi sect on Milad-un-Nabi, holds cultural significance in the region. However, alterations in the procession's route led to tensions, exacerbated by miscommunication and resistance from locals. The situation deteriorated when violence erupted, leading to the deployment of law enforcement agencies to quell the unrest, the report stated.

Maulana Tauqeer Raza Arrested For 2010 Bareilly Riots

The riot's aftermath saw arrests, including that of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who faced allegations of inciting violence through inflammatory speeches. The situation further escalated, prompting protests and counteractions, causing a ripple effect across the city. Amidst the chaos, administrative reshuffles and security measures were enforced to restore order and normalcy. Senior Superintendent of Police M.K. Bhasal was transferred while Deputy Inspector-General of Police Rajeev Sabharwal, who was also the DIG of the State anti-terrorism squad at that time, was given the additional charge of the district. Anil Garg replaced Ashish Kumar Goel as District Magistrate, as per Frontline. 

A senior police officer told Frontline, "There was ample evidence of the riot being engineered if we look at the sequence of events. If you look at the pattern of the riots, both communities did not clash directly even once. Even on March 2, people were throwing stones from a distance. After that, organised groups were just burning and vandalising shops and houses. In the last 20 days, there were no casualties and only some injuries. The second stage of the riots was not between two communities but between the mobs and the administration. The procession was only a trigger."

(With Inputs By Anoop)