In light of the 'I Love Muhammad' controversy, Bareilly is on high alert and security is reinforced before Friday services

Tensions in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have led to the suspension of the internet, the closure of highways, and the deployment of police forces ahead of Friday prayers at mosques this evening. After a demonstration over the 'I Love Muhammad' poster controversy was called off last week, there was violence in the city. After Friday prayers, more than 2,000 demonstrators and police battled outside a mosque, leading to 81 arrests.

Four of the region's districts will not have internet access until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. The suspension was put in place because of the Dussehra celebrations, and it started at 3 p.m. on Thursday. According to authorities, the goal of the internet crackdown is to stop rumors from spreading and tensions between communities from being stoked by the usage of social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

According to a statement released by Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal, SMS services, mobile internet and data, broadband, and wireless connections would all continue to be suspended. In addition to the internet ban, Bareilly has seen increased security, with drones in the air and police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) officers patrolling the streets.