Tensions escalated in Bahraich district on Monday, as protests and violence erupted following a communal clash during a Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area. The violence, which broke out on Sunday, led to the death of a 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra, who succumbed to a gunshot wound during the incident.
The clash reportedly began over loud music being played from a Durga procession as it passed through the Mahrajganj area of Mansoor village. The altercation led to further violence, including incidents of stone-pelting and gunfire, which left around six people injured. As tensions mounted, a local hospital and several shops were set ablaze on Monday morning, prompting the local administration to suspend internet services in an effort to curb the spread of rumors and restore order.
Vrinda Shukla, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Bahraich, confirmed that over 30 persons have been detained in connection with the violence. Police have been deployed in the affected areas to maintain order and prevent further escalation. A case has been registered against a man named Salman, from whose house, gunshots are believed to have been fired during the clash.
Authorities, including Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, have arrived in Bahraich to assess the situation and coordinate the security response.
Police have conducted flag marches in the area to ensure a visible presence and to deter further unrest. Despite these efforts, sporadic protests continued, with locals raising slogans against police and administrative officials.
In response to the violence, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya condemned the incident and warned against any attempts to disturb the peace and harmony in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that the state government would take stringent action against those involved in the violence, assuring that the victims would receive justice. Maurya appealed to the public to maintain peace and patience during this sensitive time, stating, “The bright future of the state will not be allowed to be tampered with.”
Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed concern over the incident, criticizing what she described as the “inaction” of the administration. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), she called for immediate intervention by the state government and urged the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Vadra emphasized the need for the state administration to take the public into confidence and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
As the situation in Bahraich remains tense, the local administration is working to restore normalcy. The suspension of internet services is expected to remain in effect until the situation stabilizes, to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation. Authorities have also appealed to community leaders to help in maintaining peace.
What had happened:
The initial clash in Bahraich reportedly stemmed from a dispute over loud music being played during the Durga idol immersion procession. As tensions flared, the situation escalated dramatically after the death of Ram Gopal Mishra, which triggered outrage among local villagers. In retaliation, angry residents vandalized vehicles and set fire to several properties in the Maharajganj market area.
According to Mishra’s family, he was shot while walking with the procession and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His death intensified the already volatile atmosphere in the area, leading to further acts of arson and damage to property.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the violence and assured that those responsible would face strict consequences. He directed authorities to ensure that the process of idol immersion continues smoothly, despite the communal tensions. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordinating with local religious organizations to carry out the immersions as planned, while also maintaining law and order.
