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Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan burnt in the fire of 'Muhammad Prem' slogan; More than 10 crimes, arrested
New Delhi, September 30, 2025: The police have arrested the famous religious leader at the center of the 'I Love Muhammad' controversy that has shaken the country. More than 10 cases have been registered against Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan from Bareilly, who ignited the controversy. Although this controversy started on Facebook, it has now reached a political and social level. Due to the arrest of the Maulana, tension has increased in Uttar Pradesh, and the police administration has become alert. In the wake of this incident, Loksatta.com is presenting a detailed review of who Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan is, what is his background and what is the real reason for this controversy.
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan's background: The heir to Bareilly Sharif
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan is the head of the Bareilly Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sunni Islamic institution in India. Bareilly Sharif is a dargah located in the city of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, which was founded in the 19th century by Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi. Ahmad Raza Khan is considered the founder of the Sunni Barelvi sect, which waged a religious and political struggle against British rule. Tauqir Raza Khan is his descendant and has taken over the reins after his father, Maulana Akbar Raza Khan.
Tauqir Raza Khan was born in the 1970s and received his religious education in Bareilly Sharif. He is the founder of the political party 'Ittehad-e-Millat Council', which fights for the rights of the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir is known for his aggressive speeches and controversial statements on Hindu-Muslim relations. Since 2010, he has been in court on various issues, including allegations of inciting religious tension. For example, his speech on the Babri Masjid case in 2017 led to violence, in which more than 10 people were injured. His supporters number in the millions, but opponents call him a 'terrorist'.
Maulana Tauqir has increased his influence using social media. He has millions of followers on his Facebook page, where he speaks on religious and political issues. However, this same social media has come back to haunt him, which has now led to his arrest.
The 'I Love Muhammad' controversy begins: From a Facebook post to street violence
The controversy began in early 2025 with a simple post on Facebook. A Hindu man shared a meme with the text 'I Love Muhammad', which caused outrage in the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan took the post personally and made an aggressive speech at a large gathering in Bareilly. "We will not spare those who speak against Prophet Muhammad. This is a matter of our concern," he had said. After this speech, violence broke out in Bareilly and surrounding areas. Shops were looted, vehicles were burnt and stones were pelted at the police.
Protests were held in various places in the name of this slogan. Tensions also increased in cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Aligarh. According to a report, more than 50 people were injured in the dispute and more than 20 cases were registered. Peace talks started between Hindu organizations and Muslim leaders, but it continued to escalate due to Maulana Tauqir's role. He posted on social media "This is our jihad", which further heated the atmosphere.
Police say Maulana Tauqir had a big hand in igniting the dispute. Videos of his speeches went viral, which increased aggression among the youth. In a video, he says, "If people speak against Muhammad, we will not remain silent. This is an insult to our religion." This statement also drew criticism from Hindu parties, who say, "This is an attempt to increase religious discrimination."
New Delhi, September 30, 2025: The police have arrested the famous religious leader at the center of the 'I Love Muhammad' controversy that has shaken the country. More than 10 cases have been registered against Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan from Bareilly, who ignited the controversy. Although this controversy started on Facebook, it has now reached a political and social level. Due to the arrest of the Maulana, tension has increased in Uttar Pradesh, and the police administration has become alert. In the wake of this incident, Loksatta.com is presenting a detailed review of who Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan is, what is his background and what is the real reason for this controversy.
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan's background: The heir to Bareilly Sharif
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan is the head of the Bareilly Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sunni Islamic institution in India. Bareilly Sharif is a dargah located in the city of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, which was founded in the 19th century by Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi. Ahmad Raza Khan is considered the founder of the Sunni Barelvi sect, which waged a religious and political struggle against British rule. Tauqir Raza Khan is his descendant and has taken over the reins after his father, Maulana Akbar Raza Khan.
Tauqir Raza Khan was born in the 1970s and received his religious education in Bareilly Sharif. He is the founder of the political party 'Ittehad-e-Millat Council', which fights for the rights of the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir is known for his aggressive speeches and controversial statements on Hindu-Muslim relations. Since 2010, he has been in court on various issues, including allegations of inciting religious tension. For example, his speech on the Babri Masjid case in 2017 led to violence, in which more than 10 people were injured. His supporters number in the millions, but opponents call him a 'terrorist'.
Maulana Tauqir has increased his influence using social media. He has millions of followers on his Facebook page, where he speaks on religious and political issues. However, this same social media has come back to haunt him, which has now led to his arrest.
The 'I Love Muhammad' controversy begins: From a Facebook post to street violence
The controversy began in early 2025 with a simple post on Facebook. A Hindu man shared a meme with the text 'I Love Muhammad', which caused outrage in the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan took the post personally and made an aggressive speech at a large gathering in Bareilly. "We will not spare those who speak against Prophet Muhammad. This is a matter of our concern," he had said. After this speech, violence broke out in Bareilly and surrounding areas. Shops were looted, vehicles were burnt and stones were pelted at the police.
Protests were held in various places in the name of this slogan. Tensions also increased in cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Aligarh. According to a report, more than 50 people were injured in the dispute and more than 20 cases were registered. Peace talks started between Hindu organizations and Muslim leaders, but it continued to escalate due to Maulana Tauqir's role. He posted on social media "This is our jihad", which further heated the atmosphere.
Police say Maulana Tauqir had a big hand in igniting the dispute. Videos of his speeches went viral, which increased aggression among the youth. In a video, he says, "If people speak against Muhammad, we will not remain silent. This is an insult to our religion." This statement also drew criticism from Hindu parties, who say, "This is an attempt to increase religious discrimination."
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan's background: The heir to Bareilly Sharif
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan is the head of the Bareilly Sharif Dargah, a prominent Sunni Islamic institution in India. Bareilly Sharif is a dargah located in the city of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, which was founded in the 19th century by Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi. Ahmad Raza Khan is considered the founder of the Sunni Barelvi sect, which waged a religious and political struggle against British rule. Tauqir Raza Khan is his descendant and has taken over the reins after his father, Maulana Akbar Raza Khan.
Tauqir Raza Khan was born in the 1970s and received his religious education in Bareilly Sharif. He is the founder of the political party 'Ittehad-e-Millat Council', which fights for the rights of the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir is known for his aggressive speeches and controversial statements on Hindu-Muslim relations. Since 2010, he has been in court on various issues, including allegations of inciting religious tension. For example, his speech on the Babri Masjid case in 2017 led to violence, in which more than 10 people were injured. His supporters number in the millions, but opponents call him a 'terrorist'.
Maulana Tauqir has increased his influence using social media. He has millions of followers on his Facebook page, where he speaks on religious and political issues. However, this same social media has come back to haunt him, which has now led to his arrest.
The 'I Love Muhammad' controversy begins: From a Facebook post to street violence
The controversy began in early 2025 with a simple post on Facebook. A Hindu man shared a meme with the text 'I Love Muhammad', which caused outrage in the Muslim community. Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan took the post personally and made an aggressive speech at a large gathering in Bareilly. "We will not spare those who speak against Prophet Muhammad. This is a matter of our concern," he had said. After this speech, violence broke out in Bareilly and surrounding areas. Shops were looted, vehicles were burnt and stones were pelted at the police.
Protests were held in various places in the name of this slogan. Tensions also increased in cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Aligarh. According to a report, more than 50 people were injured in the dispute and more than 20 cases were registered. Peace talks started between Hindu organizations and Muslim leaders, but it continued to escalate due to Maulana Tauqir's role. He posted on social media "This is our jihad", which further heated the atmosphere.
Police say Maulana Tauqir had a big hand in igniting the dispute. Videos of his speeches went viral, which increased aggression among the youth. In a video, he says, "If people speak against Muhammad, we will not remain silent. This is an insult to our religion." This statement also drew criticism from Hindu parties, who say, "This is an attempt to increase religious discrimination."
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