Congress MP Imran Masood and Samajwadi Party MLC Shahnawaz Khan, who were scheduled to meet senior officials in Bareilly, were placed under house arrest Wednesday morning by the local administration.
The Congress MP’s visit comes in the wake of violent protests in Bareilly, which erupted on September 26 following a recent poster and ‘I love Mohammad’ controversy.
Heavy police deployment was witnessed outside both leaders’ residences in Saharanpur since late last night, effectively preventing them from traveling to Bareilly.
The administration stated that this move has been taken as a “precautionary measure aimed at maintaining law and order in the region”.
Reacting strongly to the development, Imran Masood accused the administration of discriminatory action, claiming, “We are being targeted because of our religion. We were only going to talk, not protest.” Similar allegations were made by SP MLC Shahnawaz Khan.
The administration has been on high alert following the poster row as vigilance has been increased in sensitive areas, and authorities are closely monitoring any attempts to spread rumours or incite unrest.
Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Bareilly, restricting public gatherings, protests, or rallies until further notice.
As political tensions rise, the administration is taking a firm stance to ensure peace and prevent any disruption to public order.