Bareilly Division on High Alert: Drones, Police Guard Dussehra Festivities

A tense atmosphere grips Bareilly division as authorities ramp up security across four districts—Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun—deploying police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and drones to maintain order during Dussehra celebrations, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The heightened measures follow a violent clash on September 26 in Bareilly’s Kotwali area, where approximately 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque after Friday prayers, leading to stone-pelting and a confrontation with police. The unrest stemmed from the cancellation of a planned protest over a controversial "I Love Muhammad" poster, initially called by cleric Tauqeer Khan. The incident has left the region on edge, with authorities determined to prevent further disturbances.

Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary declared a high alert across the division, emphasizing strict vigilance at crowded events like Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan ceremonies, which attract thousands of devotees. “All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials must execute their duties with utmost seriousness. Any negligence will face severe consequences,” Chaudhary warned.

Also Read: BDA Targets Tauqeer Raza’s Network, Seals Hotels and Lawns in Bareilly

To bolster security, armed police forces are stationed at sensitive locations, and intelligence agencies have been activated to monitor potential threats. Drones are actively patrolling the skies to ensure real-time surveillance, particularly in areas prone to unrest. “We are taking every precaution to ensure the violence witnessed in Bareilly does not spread to neighboring districts,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the need for foolproof arrangements.

As of Wednesday, October 1, authorities arrested 81 individuals linked to the September 26 violence, with investigations ongoing to identify additional perpetrators. The police have also increased foot patrols and are coordinating with local leaders to maintain peace during the festive season.

With Dussehra festivities in full swing, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to prevent a repeat of last week’s chaos. The deployment of drones and additional forces underscores the gravity of the situation, as Bareilly division braces for a high-stakes festival period under tight security.

Also Read: Bareilly Cleric’s Aide Nadeem Held for Orchestrating Violent Protests