The Bareilly administration in Uttar Pradesh carried out major action on Saturday, November 22, against the property of Mohammad Arif, reportedly a close associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. In the presence of police, a team from the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) demolished the illegal portions of Arif’s two-story market, which included over two dozen shops and a showroom.

Reports state that the administration had already sealed Mohammad Arif’s shops in October. Located on Pilibhit Bypass Road in Jagatpur, Baradari, these shops were allegedly constructed illegally. On Friday, the BDA team, accompanied by heavy security, reached the site and began the demolition, giving traders some time to remove their belongings beforehand. According to IANS, the joint secretary of the Bareilly Development Authority informed that the administration is continuing its crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments in the area.

“Action is being taken against illegal encroachments and buildings. This includes Arif’s property, which has 16 shops, eight of which are on the ground floor and eight above. The authority will continue to take action as per the rules,” he further stated.

Action against Nafees Khan’s property

Earlier, the administration had also taken action against the alleged illegal property of Nafees Khan, another associate of Maulana Tauqeer Raza. The district authorities have stated that similar strict measures will continue against illegal constructions and properties linked to individuals involved in violence and unrest.

It is important to note that on September 26, tensions flared in Bareilly after Friday prayers when a large crowd gathered displaying “I Love Mohammad” posters. Reports indicate that the demonstration was held without official permission. During the gathering, police personnel were jostled and manhandled, and the situation escalated further with incidents of stone-pelting. Authorities had to resort to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.