Bahraich violence: Internet suspended; additional force deployed as police detains 30 

Sunday’s violence in Bahraich was triggered by a disagreement over music being blasted out from loudspeakers while the procession was passing through the area.

Mahasi locality under Hardi police station limits in Bahraich district remains on edge on Monday (October 14, 2024), a day after the killing of a person during Durga idol immersion procession with angry protestors torched several properties including a two-wheelers showroom. Police resorted to lathi charges and lobbed tear gas shells as protestors resorted to violence.

The administration deployed six Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies to control the situation and internet services have temporarily been suspended. Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Amitabh Yash has been ordered to immediately rush to Bahraich, with top State authorities monitoring the situation. 

30 people have been detained in connection with the October 13 incident that led to killing of one person while several others were injured after two communities clashed during the Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi locality. The deceased Ram Gopal Mishra, a native of Rehua Mansoor village, was shot over playing of music during the procession. Apart from Mishra, at least four people including Sudhakar Tiwari (22), Ranjan (31), Divyang Satyawan (42) and Akhilesh Bajpai (52), suffered injuries in the violence. District authorities suspended Mahasi Police Outpost in-charge Shiv Kumar for neglience. 

Senior Congress leader and former U.P. Congress In-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra appealed for peace and demanded strictest action against culprits while blaming administration for inaction. “The news of violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh and the inaction of the administration are extremely sad and unfortunate. I appeal to the Chief Minister of the state and the state administration to take immediate action, take the public into confidence and stop the violence. Strictest action should be taken against the culprits. My humble appeal to the public is that please do not take the law into your own hands and maintain peace,” wrote the Congress leader on X. 

U.P. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said the conspiracy to disturb peace and harmony in the State will not succeed. “Any conspiracy to disturb the peace and harmony of Uttar Pradesh will not succeed. Those who provide protection to the rioters are once again becoming active, but we have to be cautious and vigilant. The bright future of the state will not be allowed to be tampered with. The culprits will be brought under the ambit of the law and given strict punishment and the victims will get complete justice. I appeal to all the citizens to maintain peace and patience,” said Mr. Maurya. 

Published - October 14, 2024 12:52 pm IST