Arbitrary arrests, targeted demolitions after Bareilly ‘I Love Muhammad’ demonstration: APCR report
Bareilly : A fact-finding report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has alleged severe procedural violations, arbitrary arrests, and targeted demolitions following the “I Love Muhammad” demonstration in Bareilly. The report concludes that the state’s response amounted to collective punishment and criminalisation of a religious expression.
The demonstration, led by Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, was intended to submit a memorandum supporting the I Love Muhammad campaign after police in Kanpur filed an FIR against Muslims for displaying banners during Eid-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations. Despite prior announcements, the Bareilly administration denied permission for the protest. On September 26, 2025, a large crowd gathered after Friday prayers, most dispersing peacefully before clashes broke out in some areas.
According to the report, police used force without prior warning, leading to injuries and chaos. Over ten FIRs were filed that night, implicating more than 2,000 people, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, with charges ranging from rioting to offences against the state. The APCR found these FIRs “vague, repetitive, and excessively harsh,” accusing the authorities of using grave criminal sections without evidence of armed rebellion or hate speech.
By October 7, at least 89 people had been arrested, many allegedly without being informed of the reasons or shown arrest memos. The report documents claims of minor Muslim detainees being picked up and held without access to legal counsel. Lawyers told the fact-finding team that FIR copies were withheld, delaying legal recourse.
The APCR also condemned the demolition of properties belonging to Muslims accused in the protests, including the Raza Palace banquet hall owned by a close aide of Maulana Raza, and several shops in Pehalwan Markaz Market, a waqf property under judicial dispute. Shopkeepers told investigators that the sealing occurred without notice, under heavy police presence, and in violation of court stay orders.
The report highlights economic losses, suspension of internet services, and the heavy deployment of armed forces in Muslim-majority areas, creating what it calls a “climate of fear and repression.” Witnesses described contrasting scenes, deserted Muslim neighborhoods under surveillance, and unaffected Hindu-majority areas operating normally.
The APCR concluded that state authorities acted with disproportionate force, failed to follow due legal procedures, and violated fundamental rights of assembly and religious freedom. It called for an independent inquiry into police actions, restoration of due process, and accountability for officers involved in unlawful force or property seizures.
The organisation urged the National Human Rights Commission and the judiciary to intervene, ensure the release of those arrested without proper legal grounds, and initiate disciplinary proceedings against officials responsible for arbitrary actions.
The report frames the Bareilly incident not as an isolated case but as part of a larger trend of criminalising Muslim expression in the name of law and order.
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Rajasthan CM Sharma invites Karnataka to partner in agritech transformation
Bengaluru (PTI): Asserting that Rajasthan is evolving and embracing progressive change, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Sunday invited Karnataka and industry stakeholders present in Bengaluru to partner with the state in shaping a “new agricultural revolution.”
The CM was speaking at an investor meet organised in Bengaluru under the ‘Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)–2026’, aimed at positioning Rajasthan as a leading hub for agricultural innovation, agritech investment, and global partnerships.
“Rajasthan is moving toward building a strong agritech-driven economy by integrating its traditional agricultural strengths with modern technology. The state government is creating an investor-friendly environment,” Sharma said.
“Out of the Rs 35 lakh crore MoUs signed during the 2024 Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, Rs 9 lakh crore worth of investments have already been grounded, and we welcome all stakeholders to be part of this transformative journey,” he added.
Emphasising the synergy between the two states, he said, “Rajasthan is growing, evolving and embracing progressive change, and together with Karnataka, we can further strengthen our farmers by equipping them with the latest technologies and building a future of shared prosperity.”
Highlighting the shared vision between the two states, he added, “Bengaluru and Rajasthan share a long-standing, cordial relationship built on innovation and progress.”
“As Rajasthan advances steadily toward becoming a Viksit Rajasthan, we invite Bengaluru and Karnataka to partner with us in shaping a new agricultural revolution,” he said.
The event was hosted by the Agriculture Department, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Rajasthan Foundation.
The investor meet witnessed participation from key stakeholders across agriculture, agritech, industry, and investment sectors.
The CM said that through GRAM 2026, the government is committed to ushering in a new era of agricultural transformation by modernising farming practices, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and connecting them with cutting-edge technologies such as AI and agritech innovations, while expanding access to food processing and global markets.
“This landmark initiative will bring together thousands of farmers, experts and investors on a single, dynamic platform,” he said.
He further noted that the government is integrating key departments—including agriculture, electricity, cooperatives, animal husbandry and fisheries—to create a unified ecosystem for holistic farmer development.
“Our goal is to harness technology to drive sustainable growth and empower our farmers with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive,” he added.
Highlighting progress in the agriculture sector, Rajasthan Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena said the state government is strengthening the agritech ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development and innovation, creating a conducive environment for investors and entrepreneurs.
During the event, a film on GRAM 2026 was showcased, highlighting opportunities in Rajasthan’s agriculture and agritech sectors, an official release said.
Extensive deliberations on agriculture, agritech, investment and partnership opportunities were held during the meet, with participants exploring collaborative pathways to strengthen the sector.
The main event, GRAM 2026, is scheduled to be held from May 23 to 25, 2026, in Jaipur, with expected participation from investors, industry leaders and policymakers from across India and abroad.
As part of the preparatory outreach, roadshows have already been conducted in Jaipur and New Delhi, with more planned across major cities to further expand the reach of the initiative, the release added.
