Fresh FIR against Tauqeer Raza’s aides Dr Nafees and Nadeem in Bareilly violence case

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police has registered a fresh case against two close aides of cleric Tauqeer Raza, Dr Nafees and Nadeem, in connection with the recent Bareilly violence. The duo has been accused of fabricating and forging letters in the name of a local resident, Liyaqat.

The FIR has been filed under sections 318 (4), 338, 336 (3) and 340 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to Liyaqat’s complaint, Raza’s associates forged his signature on a letter issued in support of protests linked to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ row. He said no one from his village had joined the demonstration, and clarified that he had no association with Raza’s IMC party.

“The purpose of this illegal act was not only to mislead the administration but also to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the city. I want to clarify that I have no connection whatsoever with the IMC party, nor have I ever held any position in it,” Liyaqat stated in his complaint.

Authorities have stepped up their crackdown on those behind the September 26 violence. On Sunday, the Bareilly Development Authority demolished a marriage hall linked to Dr Nafees Khan, claiming it was built illegally on Waqf land. His eyewear shop was also sealed.

Meanwhile, four shops belonging to Farhat, who allegedly sheltered Raza, and another four built by Nadeem Khan on prime land using the cleric’s influence, have also been sealed.

Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya said that more than 83 people have been arrested so far, and efforts are on to apprehend others still absconding.