In Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly division, security has been heightened across four districts, with drones monitoring the skies and increased police presence on the streets. This security beef-up coincides with the Dussehra festival.
The state government has ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet services in the Bareilly district. The suspension of mobile internet, broadband, and SMS services will be in effect from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4. According to Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal, this decision was made to maintain peace and prevent the spread of rumors and incitement of communal tension through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp. The notification specified that all SMS services, mobile internet and data services, and broadband connections will be suspended during this period.
The directive was issued under Section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The order has been communicated to the state Director General of Police (DGP), District Magistrate (DM), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bareilly, and all telecom operators, including BSNL, Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and internet service providers.
The high alert follows unrest in the district on September 26, which involved stone-pelting after a protest regarding an "I Love Muhammad" poster.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts. Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in the streets. Police have been instructed to be especially vigilant at Ramleela grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan programs, which typically attract large crowds.
Bareilly DM Avneesh Singh has appealed to the public to maintain peace and not to heed rumors. Commissioner Chaudhary has warned that any lapses in duty from district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials will result in strict action. Intelligence agencies have also been placed on alert, with teams deployed in the field, and armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations.
