Authorities accused of extensive arrests and property seizures of Muslims in Bareilly, and shielding of Hindu-led vandalism in Fatehpur
BAREILLY — The Uttar Pradesh government is facing sharp criticism for alleged double standards in its handling of recent incidents of religious tension in the state. While the administration has taken stringent action against influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza and his associates following the ‘I Love Muhammad’ procession in Bareilly, earlier vandalism of the historic Fatehpur tomb by Hindu groups has reportedly seen minimal action.
In Bareilly, more than 90 individuals linked to the Ittehad-e-Millat Council have been arrested, shops sealed, and properties confiscated in connection with the alleged violence on 26 September. Police officials justified their action by claiming the procession became unruly.
“People should not be punished for expressing their faith peacefully,” said a member of the local Muslim community. “It seems the government is targeting Muslims while ignoring similar offences by others.”
The focus of police scrutiny remains on Maulana Tauqeer Raza and his close associate Dr. Nafees Khan, both accused of illegally occupying Waqf and government land valued at crores of rupees. Authorities recently sealed markets surrounding the tomb of Pehalwan Sahib, disrupting the livelihoods of hundreds of shopkeepers.
“The arrest of Dr Nafees and sealing of shops has caused distress among traders who depend on this marketplace,” said one affected shop owner. “We are being punished for an incident we had nothing to do with.”
The Bareilly Development Authority is reportedly investigating hundreds of properties allegedly constructed illegally or on Waqf land. Dr Nafees’s Raza Palace Marriage Hall has come under official scrutiny and remains locked following the arrests.
In contrast, the vandalism of the tomb of Nawab Abdul Samad in Fatehpur by Hindu groups in August was largely ignored by authorities. Opposition leaders highlight that the chief minister even barred the names of the accused from being mentioned in the House. Critics allege that this selective enforcement reflects a clear bias against the Muslim community.
“Why is action taken only against Muslims while Hindu offenders go unpunished?” asked a local opposition leader. “This sends a dangerous message that the law is not equal for all citizens.”
As the controversy unfolds, questions continue to mount about the impartiality of law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. With the Muslim community expressing growing concern over perceived targeting, political and civic observers warn that such disparities in action could further inflame communal tensions.
