Bareilly- In a shocking case of alleged communal sabotage, Bareilly Police have arrested two local men for allegedly forcing a 12-year-old Muslim boy to raise “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans during a Muharram Tazia procession in Khaikheda village under Hafizganj police station limits. The video was recorded and circulated online with the intent to implicate the Muslim community and disturb communal harmony in the area.

On June 21, during the traditional Muharram Tazia procession in the village, a video surfaced on social media platforms showing a young boy shouting pro-Pakistan slogans. Yogendra Pal and his associate Bhuvnesh Kumar were identified in the police probe as the individuals behind the act.

The clip was shared widely with claims that participants in the procession (Taziyadars) had raised inflammatory slogans. Some locals, including Yogendra Pal, further alleged that Hindus who opposed the slogans were beaten, leading to complaints at the Hafizganj police station and heightened tensions in the area.

Police Investigation Unravels the Plot

Acting swiftly on the viral video and complaints received on Monday morning, Bareilly Police conducted a detailed investigation, including video forensics, statements from villagers, and reconstruction of events along the procession route.

Key findings:

1. No “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans were raised by the Muharram procession participants.

2. Yogendra Pal and Bhuvnesh Kumar allegedly coerced the 12-year-old boy into shouting the slogans, recorded the video, and circulated it with malicious intent to frame the Muslim community and create communal discord.

Both accused, residents of the village and in their 30s, have been arrested. An FIR has been registered, and further probe is ongoing to identify if more people were involved in recording or disseminating the video. The minor’s statement is being recorded as per procedure.

SP (North) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said the investigation clearly established that the slogans were not raised by the Taziyadars. “This was a conspiracy... Strict legal action is being taken to ensure no one attempts to disturb communal harmony,” he stated.

Local officials, including Circle Officer Nawabganj Nilesh Mishra, confirmed the accused acted with “wrong intentions” to trap members of another community.

Villagers have claimed that Yogendra Pal and Bhuvnesh Kumar are repeat offenders who have previously engaged in similar acts aimed at spoiling the village atmosphere (gaanv ka mahol kharab karne ke liye). According to locals, the duo has a history of using children to raise provocative slogans or spread divisive content in order to disturb communal harmony in the area. Police are examining these allegations as part of the broader investigation.

This revelation has raised concerns about habitual troublemakers exploiting religious processions and social media to incite tension in mixed communities. Muharram processions are an important annual religious observance. Incidents like this, when amplified online, often risk escalating into larger law-and-order problems in sensitive regions. The Bareilly Police’s timely and evidence-based action has been praised for de-escalating the situation before it could spiral out of control.