Cleric arrested for communal clash in Bareilly

LUCKNOW - Security was Tuesday intensified in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district following the arrest of a leading cleric for his alleged role in last week’s communal clash.

Maulana Tauquir Raza Khan, president of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, was arrested late Monday from Bareilly, about 250 km from here. It was his “rabble rousing speech” that had led to communal tension in the district last week, officials said.

“Fearing a backlash from his supporters, a heavy security cover has come up in parts of the district,” Superintendent of Police (city) Rakesh Jolly told reporters.

Curfew continues in Kotwali, Kila, Premnagar and Baradari areas, but it is being relaxed for up to 12 hours in some places, officials said.

Trouble began March 2 when the Barawafat procession was passing through. A minor communal clash followed by sporadic arson led to curfew.