Bareilly on high alert: internet banned for 48 hours, drones deployed

Ahead of the Dussehra celebrations, security has been stepped up in four districts of the Bareilly division of Uttar Pradesh. Drones are keeping an eye on the skies, while police, RAF, and PAC troops are on the streets. The state government has also ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet services in Bareilly, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

during a fight in Kotwali on September 26 that resulted in stone-pelting during a protest over the "I Love Muhammad" banner, a high alert was issued. According to a home department notification, Bareilly's SMS, broadband, and mobile internet services will be unavailable from 3 p.m. on October 2 until 3 p.m. on October 4.

"There is a possibility of social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, as well as messaging services being misused to spread rumors and incite communal tension," revealed Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal in his explanation of the action. "The purpose of this action is to preserve public order and peace," Dayal continued.