Bareilly High Alert: Internet Suspended, Heavy Police Deployment for Friday Prayers

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, remains on high alert as authorities take extensive security measures to prevent any unrest during Friday prayers. Following incidents of communal tension after last week’s prayers, the administration has imposed a 48-hour suspension of internet services and restricted SMS services until 3 PM to curb misuse of social media platforms. Security forces, including 6,800 police personnel, PAC, and RAF teams, have been deployed across sensitive zones, with 180 inspectors, 550 sub-inspectors, and 10 PAC and RAF companies on duty.Surveillance is being conducted through drones and ground patrols, and checks have been intensified on rooftops to prevent stone-pelting or any provocative activity. Authorities have also limited gatherings of more than five people, forming four super zones within Bareilly and neighboring districts like Badaun, Pilibhit, and Shahjahanpur. This proactive deployment comes after 26 September violence, when protesters carrying controversial posters clashed with police, resulting in arrests and lathi charges. So far, 82 individuals have been detained, while the main accused, Munir Idris, remains at large.Local religious leaders, including Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, have appealed for calm and instructed worshippers to return home immediately after prayers to avoid unnecessary confrontation. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring peace and preventing any recurrence of violence.