The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the bail plea of Tauqeer Raza, the alleged mastermind of the Bareilly violence case, observing a significant risk that he may once again incite a particular community and disturb peace and harmony.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal passed the order on June 5, rejecting the bail application filed by Raza. The court noted that the statement of an eyewitness and a video clip clearly show that Raza was the main person who persuaded the crowd through provocative speech to assemble at the Islamia Inter College.
Court Observations
The court stated: “Considering the entire facts and circumstances of the case and upon perusal of records, it is not in dispute that the applicant persuaded several youth of the Muslim community in a public meeting to assemble at the Islamia Inter College.”
It further noted that despite the invocation of Section 163 BNSS 2023, while proceeding towards the Islamia Inter College, the crowd was stopped by police. However, they became involved in arson, started pelting stones, threw petrol bombs, and destroyed public property, causing injuries to several police personnel.
Role as Main Conspirator
The court emphasized that for the offence committed by the crowd, Raza will also be liable as the main conspirator. The order pointed out that due to Raza’s extensive criminal history in similar cases, there is a significant risk that if released, he may once again incite a particular community and disturb peace and harmony.
Incident Details
According to police, on September 26, Raza gave a call to members of a particular community to assemble at the Islamiya Inter College in Bareilly. Despite prohibitory orders in force, a crowd of about 200-250 people gathered and proceeded towards Shyamganj Chauraha from the Maulana Azad Inter College.
The crowd, holding boards and raising provocative slogans, ignored warnings and persuasions by police personnel at the spot. The situation escalated when the accused persons became aggressive and insisted on marching ahead. Brickbats, stones, and acid bottles were thrown at the police during the confrontation, and gunshots were fired from the crowd, as per the FIR.
In the ensuing violence, clothes of police personnel were torn, and two officers sustained injuries. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offence and the need to prevent further communal disharmony.
