Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh – The investigation into the September 26 violence in Bareilly has intensified, with police identifying several close associates of Maulana Tauqeer Raza as key conspirators. Authorities have now booked seven additional individuals, including Dr. Nafees, Nadeem, Councilor Anees, Munir Idrishi, history-sheeter Nayab alias Munna, Afzal Beg, and Farhat, under multiple cases registered in connection with the riots. All have been charged under Section 61 of the Indian Penal Code across ten FIRs.

According to police findings, the violence was a pre-planned act of conspiracy. A large crowd reportedly assembled following Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s call, which later turned violent, pelting stones and opening fire at police personnel. Investigators recovered petrol-filled bottles, pistols, and other weapons from the site. Maulana Tauqeer had already been named as the main accused in all ten cases, and his associates have now been added as co-conspirators.

Seven New Names Surface

During the ongoing probe, seven more names have emerged: Faisal Navi, Mobin Qureshi, Sajid Saklani (residents of Chak Mahmood, Baradari police station area), Subhan alias Suran (from Kishore Bazaar), Dr. Nafees’s brother-in-law Farhan Raza Khan, and Moin Khan (resident of the Fort area). Police claim these individuals played active roles in coordinating with Maulana Tauqeer to orchestrate the violence. Preparations are reportedly underway for their arrest.

SSP Anurag Arya stated that new evidence continues to surface, and as more names are identified, they are being added to the cases. He emphasized that “strict action will be taken against every conspirator involved.”

CCTV Footage Reveals the Sequence of Events

Fresh CCTV footage obtained on Friday reportedly shows rioters breaking through barricades from Akash Hotel to DAV College Road and engaging in violent clashes with the police. The video captures individuals shouting slogans, carrying inflammatory posters, and toppling barricades despite repeated police appeals to disperse. The mob later moved toward DAV College, where further violence ensued. Although the authenticity of the viral footage has not been independently verified, police are using it to identify suspects.

Tight Security and Continued Investigation

SSP Arya confirmed that all those currently in custody have been officially named as conspirators in each of the cases. He reiterated that the police possess substantial video and digital evidence to trace every participant involved in the violence.

Meanwhile, security remains tight across Bareilly, particularly in the old city’s sensitive areas. Additional police forces have been deployed, and social media activity is being closely monitored to prevent the spread of rumors or provocative content. Officials assured that all necessary measures are being taken to restore and maintain peace in the city.