Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly on Friday witnessed violent clashes between locals and police officials after the Friday prayers as several agitators gathered in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign on the call of a local cleric. A large crowd gathered outside the cleric’s house near a mosque, with many expressing anger over last-minute suspension of the protest as the same was denied by the local authorities.

The cleric, Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza, reportedly had given the call. Some of the protesters were not satisfied with the action and resorted to violence, compelling the police officials to resort to lathi-charge.

“The situation is now normal and under control. No untoward incident has been reported. We are appealing to people to maintain peace and harmony,”

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