Communal violence erupted in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday, escalating tensions and leading to widespread unrest. The unrest began on Sunday after a 22-year-old man was shot during a Durga idol immersion procession. The incident sparked clashes, prompting retaliatory actions that saw shops and vehicles set ablaze. Restless crowds, some armed with sticks and iron rods, roamed the streets, creating a volatile atmosphere.
Protests erupted at various locations throughout the affected area. To control the situation, police forces conducted flag marches and resorted to tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the protestors. The local administration, in an attempt to contain the spread of misinformation and prevent further escalation, suspended internet services in the district.
The violence stemmed from a disagreement over the use of loudspeakers during the procession, according to police. A man has been booked and around 30 people have been detained in connection with the unrest, which occurred in the Mahrajganj area of Mansoor village.
Senior officials, including Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, visited the site to assess the situation and oversee the deployment of security forces. Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, told PTI Videos that the situation was being brought under control and anti-social elements were being chased away. Shukla also confirmed that 25 to 30 people had been detained and efforts were underway to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
In a post on social media platform X, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya condemned the violence, stating that any attempt to disrupt the peace and harmony of Uttar Pradesh would not be successful. He also expressed concern over the role of individuals who protect rioters, urging caution and vigilance. He emphasized that the state’s bright future would not be compromised.
Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reacted to the violence, expressing sadness and concern over the situation in Bahraich and the perceived inaction of the administration. She appealed to the Chief Minister and state administration to take immediate action, restore public confidence, and stop the violence. She also called for strict action against the perpetrators and urged the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath denounced the violence and instructed the administration to communicate with religious organizations and ensure the timely completion of idol immersions. He also directed the police to deploy personnel at the immersion sites to maintain order and prevent further incidents.
With tensions running high and a heavy police presence deployed, the situation in Bahraich remains precarious. The focus now lies on restoring peace, apprehending the perpetrators, and ensuring the safety and security of the residents.