The Uttar Pradesh Police is committedly pursuing Maulana Tauqeer Raza, head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC), albeit with elusive success. On Monday, the police visited Raza's home again, affixing a non-bailable warrant (NBW) notice firmly on his premises. Should Maulana fail to present himself in court by March 19th, Tuesday, proceedings to seize his movable and immovable assets will commence.
In the midst of a riot case hearing, the ADJ Fast Track Court's Ravi Kumar Diwakar issued an NBW notice against Maulana, after consistent non-appearances, directing him to appear by March 19th or face seizure of his properties. Previously, the court had summoned Maulana to present himself on March 11th.
The police team is tirelessly raiding potential hideouts.
The Uttar Pradesh Police relentlessly chases Tauqeer Raza. Supposedly, their search has extended to areas in Rajasthan, Delhi, and West Bengal. Raza, bearing considerable influence among the Barelvi Muslims, is frequently embroiled in controversy due to his provocative statements. Last year, UP Police filed a case against him for allegedly incendiary comments.
The Background of the Controversy
On March 2nd, 2010, both the Holi procession and the Barawafat procession were scheduled. Despite peaceful proceedings, allegations claim that Tauqeer Raza, residing in Saudagaran and linked to the Ala Hazrat family, delivered a fiery speech that ignited riots from Kutubkhane to Kuhada Peera Bazar in Premnagar. A mob reportedly torched a police outpost and set ablaze several homes belonging to the majority community, resulting in a 27-day curfew imposed throughout the city.
The Incendiary Statement Over Haldwani Violence
Raza stirred controversy with his remarks on the Haldwani violence, stating 'If you bulldoze our homes, will we sit in silence? No bulldozer will be tolerated now. If the Supreme Court isn't taking notice, we'll defend ourselves as the law grants us the right to protect against attacks, even to the extent of taking a life.'
