Police arrest cleric Tauqeer Raza’s aide Farhat in Bareilly violence case; authorities demolish properties of his associates amid widening crackdown.

Bareilly: Authorities tightened their crackdown on those linked to the September 26 violence by arresting Farhat, a close associate of cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, along with his son on Sunday. The action comes amid an ongoing series of arrests and property demolitions tied to the unrest.

The Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) over the weekend razed “Raza Palace,” a banquet hall owned by Nafees—another arrested aide of Raza. Officials said the building, constructed on Waqf land, was completely flattened after a two-day operation under heavy security. Meanwhile, the health department has also initiated legal action against Nafees for allegedly running a clinic with fake medical degrees.

Police confirmed that at least 10 FIRs have been filed, and more than 70 people—including Tauqeer Raza, his aides, and relatives—are currently in custody. Farhat’s residence was sealed on Saturday, with officials hinting that his other properties may face similar demolition soon.

The repeated use of bulldozers and arrests reflects the state’s zero-tolerance approach, but it also raises questions about whether such aggressive measures may further polarize communities. While law enforcement stresses legality, locals fear that the pace of demolitions may overshadow due process.