Allahabad High Court Schedules Bail Hearing for Maulana Taukir Raza in Bareilly Violence Case
The Allahabad High Court has fixed February 24 for hearing the bail application of Maulana Taukir Raza, the chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, in connection with a Bareilly violence case. The order was issued by Justice Ashutosh Srivastava on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the legal proceedings against the religious leader.
Details of the Bareilly Violence Incident
According to police records, the case stems from an incident on September 26, when Raza allegedly called for members of a particular community to gather at Islamiya Inter College in Bareilly. Despite prohibitory orders being in effect under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a crowd of approximately 500 people assembled and began marching from Maulana Azad Inter College towards Shyamganj Chauraha.
The situation quickly escalated as the crowd, carrying boards and chanting provocative slogans, ignored repeated warnings and persuasions from police personnel at the scene. Authorities reported that the accused became increasingly aggressive and adamant about proceeding with the march, leading to a violent confrontation.
Allegations of Violence and Police Response
Police allege that during the unrest, individuals in the crowd threw stones and acid bottles at law enforcement officers, and gunshots were fired from the crowd toward police personnel. In the ensuing chaos, the clothes of several police officers were torn, and two officers sustained injuries.
The First Information Report (FIR) states that the aggressive actions of the crowd created an atmosphere of terror in the area, compelling police authorities to open fire in self-defence to control the situation. This response was deemed necessary to prevent further escalation and protect public safety.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The bail hearing scheduled for February 24 will be a critical juncture in the case, as the court reviews Raza's application for release pending trial. The allegations highlight concerns over public order and the enforcement of prohibitory measures during sensitive gatherings.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in managing large assemblies and maintaining law and order in volatile situations. The outcome of the hearing could have broader implications for similar cases involving religious or community leaders accused of inciting violence.
