The court cites serious allegations against petitioners Gauhar Khan and Saqib Jamal and public order concerns
BAREILLY – The Allahabad High Court on Monday refused to quash FIRs filed against the accused in the large-scale violence that erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s city of Bareilly in September.
Violence took place in the city during a protest held under the nationwide “I Love Muhammad” campaign. Petitioners Gauhar Khan and Saqib Jamal sought quashing of the FIRs filed against them and a stay on their arrest.
But a division bench of Justices Ajay Bhanot and Garima Prasad dismissed the petition, stating there was no legal basis to quash the FIRs.
The case stems from a protest announced by Maulana Tauqeer Raza at Azad Maidan, Bareilly, as part of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. On September 26, hundreds of members of the Muslim community marched from the Islamia College Ground in support of the campaign. Police intervention to stop the march reportedly led to violence, resulting in an FIR naming 52 individuals, including influential cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza, Gauhar Khan, and Saqib Jamal.
Gauhar Khan and Saqib Jamal filed a petition in the high court, claiming they were being falsely implicated and were not present at the scene of the violence. Their lawyer argued, “My clients have been framed. They were not involved in any violent activity and were not at the location when the incident occurred.”
However, the government’s counsel presented a different narrative. “The petitioners attacked police personnel and attempted to disrupt public peace and communal harmony. The allegations against them are serious and warrant investigation,” stated the government lawyer in court.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the bench concluded, “Given the seriousness of the allegations and the evidence on record, there is no justification to quash the FIR or grant interim relief to the petitioners.”
Legal experts noted that the High Court’s dismissal indicates the court’s willingness to allow full investigation and due process to proceed before any determination of guilt.
Local residents and community members expressed mixed reactions. A Bareilly resident said, “We are concerned about the violence and hope the authorities handle the situation fairly. Peace must be maintained.”
Meanwhile, a supporter of the campaign remarked, “Our protest was meant to express our devotion peacefully. It is unfortunate that it turned violent, and innocent people are being named in FIRs.”
The FIR against 52 individuals remains in force, and the investigation continues. Police have reiterated that maintaining communal harmony and public safety remains a top priority as the inquiry proceeds.
