Bareilly tension: 38 shops sealed over 'encroachment'; crackdown to continue

BAREILLY: At least 38 shops — mainly belonging to the minority community — were sealed by authorities in Bareilly on Monday, days after a clash erupted between police and protesters of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign last Friday. Shop owners alleged that the civic action was a reprisal for the violence.

Locals said the shops, selling garments and footwear and located at Novelty Chowk about 200m from Clock Tower, were forcefully vacated by the Bareilly municipal corporation for “encroachment.” Shopkeepers said the units belong to the waqf board .

DM Avinash Singh said, “The shops have been sealed. If someone has any document regarding it, they can produce it before the municipal commissioner. We have checked and verified all documents before taking the step.”

He added, “It was part of a crackdown on those rioters who tried to disrupt the city’s peace and law and order. The shopkeepers had also encroached upon a large drain on government land. The crackdown will continue.”

Shopkeeper Mohd Waris countered, “Civic body filed a case for land ownership. However, we have a stay from the court. This action was taken only due to Dr Nafees Ahmed, spokesperson of Ittehad-e-Millat Council, who used to take rent from us. A civic team simply asked shopkeepers to vacate within three hours, without prior notice.”

Internet services remained suspended in parts of Bareilly Monday as security forces maintained vigilance.