Authorities focus on properties linked to supporters of the jailed cleric; critics highlight that alleged perpetrators from the majority community face little or no action
NEW DELHI — Officials of the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) have shown their intent to take action against two marriage halls reportedly linked to supporters of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, the incarcerated president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), in the aftermath of the September 26 violence in the Uttar Pradesh city.
The halls in question – Good Marriage Hall and Aiwan-e-Farhat, located in the Sufi Tola area of the old city – are reportedly facing demolition orders. BDA officials have requested police assistance to carry out the action.
Baradari police confirmed receipt of the notice regarding Aiwan-e-Farhat and visited the site on Monday morning (December 1). In response, the owner of Good Marriage Hall began removing items from the premises. However, BDA officials did not arrive until later in the day, and demolition was postponed due to a shortage of staff.
Maulana Tauqeer Raza was named the main accused in the violence that erupted after a procession was organised supporting ‘I Love Mohammad’ following Friday prayers. Authorities continue to investigate alleged participants and those providing protection.
Now, the names of Rashid Khan, owner of Good Marriage Hall, and Sarfaraz Wali Khan, owner of Aiwan-e-Farhat, have surfaced as individuals close to Maulana Raza. BDA sources say that approvals for these halls were never obtained from the administration, and demolition orders were actually issued back in 2011.
Baradari police officer Dhananjay Pandey stated, “We received the BDA letter and deployed a police team at the site on Monday morning.”
Critics argue that the administration is acting selectively. While Muslim individuals linked to Maulana Tauqeer Raza are facing strict action, alleged perpetrators from the majority community involved in the violence and damage to religious sites have largely escaped scrutiny.
A community leader said, “The focus on properties connected to Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s supporters raises serious questions. Action appears one-sided, and Muslim citizens feel targeted even when incidents involve multiple communities.”
The BDA has postponed demolition for now due to lack of personnel, but the government’s firm stance post-Bareilly violence has created pressure on property owners and local authorities. The unfolding situation continues to stir debate over fairness, accountability, and protection of Muslim rights in post-violence administration.
