Following recent unrest in Bareilly, authorities have intensified their crackdown on properties linked to politician-cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza and his close aides.
On Sunday, the second phase of the demolition drive targeted the marriage hall owned by Dr Nafees, a close associate of Tauqeer Raza and national general secretary of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC).
Two bulldozers were deployed to demolish the remaining 30 per cent of the marriage hall structure, after 70 per cent was razed on Saturday. Over 100 police personnel were present at the site to maintain security.
Officials claim that the hall, spread over 10,000 square feet and valued at approximately Rs 5 crore, was constructed illegally on government land.
In another move, health authorities sealed Dr Nafees’ “Khan Optical” shop and pasted a notice at the premises. Officials allege that Dr Nafees was operating the optical centre without a valid medical degree and have demanded that he produce his credentials.
Meanwhile, an illegal electric vehicle charging station, demolished on Saturday, has now become another point of legal action. The electricity department has issued a notice to Tauqeer Raza’s family, demanding payment of an outstanding bill amounting to Rs 1.26 crore for unauthorised electricity usage at the site.
Dr Nafees and his son, Farhan Raza Khan, were arrested three days ago. Authorities allege that Dr Nafees incited people to protest and even threatened to sever the hand of a police inspector. Both father and son are believed to be close confidants of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who is the mastermind of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ protests that turned violent in Bareilly.
The administration has stated that the ongoing actions are part of a broader campaign to curb illegal encroachments and activities following the recent violence in the city.