The Allahabad High Court has rejected the bail application of Tauqeer Raja Khan, who is facing prosecution in connection with the violence that broke out in Bareilly in September 2025. The Court observed that the material placed before it prima facie indicated his role in persuading and mobilizing people who later became part of the crowd involved in the incident.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal passed the order while hearing Tauqeer Raja Khan's plea seeking release on bail during the pendency of the trial.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, an FIR was registered after a large crowd allegedly proceeded towards Islamia Inter College in Bareilly despite prohibitory orders issued by the administration under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The prosecution alleged that when police attempted to stop the gathering, members of the crowd engaged in violence, including stone-pelting, throwing petrol bombs, causing damage to public property and injuring police personnel.
Tauqeer Raja Khan, identified as the President of the Ittefaq Minnat Council, was accused of giving calls for public mobilization and encouraging people to participate in the demonstration.
Counsel for the applicant argued that Tauqeer Raja Khan was not named in the FIR and that there was no reliable material showing that he had instigated the crowd to commit violence or damage public property.
The defence further submitted that videos circulating in the public domain did not establish any direct incitement by the applicant. It was also pointed out that the charge sheet had already been filed and that no further custodial interrogation was required.
The State opposed the plea, relying on witness statements and video material. The prosecution contended that meetings allegedly addressed by the applicant contained speeches encouraging people to assemble and continue their protest even if stopped by authorities.
After examining the record, the Court noted that it was not disputed that the applicant had persuaded members of the Muslim community to gather and proceed towards Islamia Inter College.
Referring to witness statements and video evidence cited by the prosecution, the bench observed that there was material suggesting that the applicant was aware that an emotionally charged crowd could react violently if prevented from proceeding.
“The applicant cannot be absolved of his liability for such illegal acts,” the Court observed while discussing the alleged role attributed to him in the events leading up to the violence.
The Court also referred to an earlier decision dealing with similar allegations involving slogans and attacks on public authorities. It further noted a recent Supreme Court observation that personal liberty cannot override concerns relating to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
Taking into account the allegations, the material relied upon by the prosecution, and the applicant's criminal history referred to in the proceedings, the Court expressed concern that his release could potentially affect public peace and communal harmony.
Holding that it was not a fit case for grant of bail, the Allahabad High Court rejected the application.
Accordingly, the bail application of Tauqeer Raja Khan was dismissed.
Case Details
Case Title: Tauqeer Raja Khan vs State of U.P.
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 14507 of 2026
Judge: Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal
Decision Date: June 5, 2026
