ThePrint ThePrintAM: Who is Tauqeer Khan & why is he in the eye of ‘I Love Muhammad’ storm?
Oct 2, 2025
Dive into the intriguing tale of Tauqeer Khan, a controversial figure at the center of unrest sparked by the 'I Love Muhammad' procession. Discover the roots of recent protests in Bareilly and the complex web of legal challenges he has faced over decades. The discussion also explores his political connections and the implications of his arrest, as well as his family's influential lineage within the Aliah Hajar sect. This captivating narrative reveals the tangled interplay of religion and politics in contemporary India.
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Bareilly Clash After 'I Love Mohammed' Protest
- A Bareilly protest called by Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan turned violent after Friday prayers and involved heavy stone pelting.
- Police filed multiple FIRs and arrested Tauqir and dozens of others following clashes over the "I Love Mohammed" campaign.
Long History Of Legal Trouble
- Tauqir Raza Khan has a decades-long record of FIRs for inciting violence dating back to 1982.
- Despite multiple charges over the years, he largely avoided jail until this recent arrest under the Yogi government.
Political Reach Helped Him Avoid Jail
- Tauqir maintained political ties across parties and used influence to evade long-term jail time.
- His arrest this time marked a shift, as he was jailed promptly after the riot under the current state government.