Bareilly – In a heated incident that unfolded late Monday night, an effigy of controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand was set ablaze by a group of locals at the Eent Pajaya crossing, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against 42 individuals, including two named suspects. The unrest was allegedly triggered by Narsinghanand's objectionable remarks regarding Prophet Muhammad. Authorities reported that the protests escalated as the crowd blocked a road, prompting police intervention.
Bareilly SP (City) Manush Parik confirmed that an FIR was lodged under sections 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 285 against Samir, Firdous, and 40 unidentified individuals. In response to the unrest, police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify additional participants in the protest. So far, two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Parik emphasized that strict action would be taken against all involved.
The situation intensified as the crowd allegedly misbehaved with the police upon their arrival, prompting authorities to use mild force to disperse the gathering. Following the confrontation, a larger crowd from a specific community congregated outside the police station, demanding the release of the detained individuals. Responding to the escalating tensions, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Devendra Kumar and Inspector Amit Pandey, accompanied by additional police forces, arrived at the scene to address the situation.
They urged the crowd to disperse peacefully, but when their requests were ignored and the crowd became unruly, police were forced to take further action to restore order. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities remain vigilant, committed to ensuring public safety and addressing the underlying tensions that have arisen from Narsinghanand's controversial remarks.