Six Detained After Pro-Pakistan Slogans Trigger Panic in Market, Over 40 Booked

Police have detained six individuals, including two minors , following overnight raids in connection with an incident in which a group allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans in a busy market, triggering panic and partial closure of shops , officials said on Monday.

An FIR has been registered against more than four dozen people under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to police, CCTV footage from the area helped identify at least 14 accused so far. The main accused, Kashif , son of former corporator Tahseen, is currently absconding . Police teams conducted raids, including at his residence, but he remains untraceable.

Investigators said Kashif is allegedly associated with the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), led by Maulana Tauqeer Raza. Raza has been in jail since September last year , a day after violent clashes in Bareilly over the “I Love Mohammad” poster controversy.

According to a complaint filed by a local resident, the incident occurred around 12:20 pm on Sunday , when a group of youths on motorcycles, allegedly carrying cricket bats , passed through a market lane raising slogans. When the complainant objected, he was allegedly abused, assaulted, and issued death threats .

Cantonment police station inspector Sanjay Dheer confirmed the detentions and said further action is underway. Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Manush Pareek said security has been tightened in the Cantonment area to prevent escalation.

Police said efforts are ongoing to trace absconding accused and maintain law and order.