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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Sexual harassment allegations rock Italian cricket
New Delhi (PTI): Days after making a historic debut at the T20 World Cup, Italy cricket has been rocked by sexual harassment allegations by a women's team player against women's cricket co-ordinator Prabath Ekneligoda, who has been suspended by the nation's cricket board, the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) informed.
According to a statement released by FCRI, the allegations are the subject of an investigation by the federal prosecutor.
"The Federation confirms that, during 2025, the President of the federation acting within her institutional responsibilities and with the full safeguarding of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the individual concerned from all federal duties and activities," ESPN Cricinfo quoted the the board as saying in a statement.
"This measure was adopted pending a thorough and definitive assessment of the circumstances. The decision was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed at preventing any undue speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment, and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the appropriate forums, with full respect for personal dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence."
According to reports, Ekneligoda's lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming "ulterior motives" were behind them.
FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan confirmed to the website that Ekneligoda had travelled with the board president Maria Lorena Haz Paz at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka but didn't have any official duties.
"It is further noted that proceedings are currently under way before the Federal Prosecutor's Office, which is responsible for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided under sporting regulations," the FCRI said.
