The violence in Maharajganj town of Bahraich left many injured. Among them were Vinod Mishra and his physically challenged brother, Satyawan Mishra. One brother's hand is in a cast, while the other's face still bears wounds. They had been referred to Lucknow for treatment but have now returned home. The brothers recounted the conditions on the day of the violence in a conversation with 'Aaj Tak.'
Vinod and Satyawan stated that during the violence, they were right behind the DJ at the idol immersion. They saw everything with their own eyes. The scene was terrifying; heads were cracked open and hands were broken during the stone pelting. Announcements were being made from the mosque.
How Did the Chaos Begin?
According to Vinod and Satyawan Mishra, it started with a complaint from Abdul Hamid's family about the songs being played on the DJ. When the music wasn't stopped, insults were hurled, and the DJ was slapped, its plug pulled. After that, stones were thrown at the idol of Goddess Durga, shattering the statues.
Vinod Mishra, a teacher by profession, had his hand broken and also sustained a head injury during the violence. He recalled thinking he might not survive the chaos. His brother Satyawan, who is 90% disabled, was not spared either and was also severely injured.
Tensions Escalated with Announcements from Mosques: Victim's Claim
Vinod and his brother claimed that as tensions escalated, announcements were made from mosques urging to "cut down whoever you see." Subsequently, a large number of people from a specific community took to the streets armed with swords and sticks. Meanwhile, the crowd in the Shobha Yatra turned violent, which further fueled the violence.
The Mishra brothers mentioned they are yet to receive justice as the police haven't even lodged an FIR. Abdul Hamid's family's crowd attempted to enter their home, and regarding entry into Hamid's house, it was said people entered to save Ramgopal Mishra, but even then, the stone pelting did not pause, causing injuries even to the rescuers.
Heavy Force Deployed in the Area
Note that on October 13, during the Durga idol immersion in Maharajganj town, Bahraich, a dispute escalated into violence. Ramgopal Mishra was shot dead during this. Violence erupted again the next day in Maharajganj; rioters set shops and houses on fire.
Source: aajtak
Following the Bahraich violence, now on the first Jumma prayer,
heavy force
is deployed in the Maharajganj town. Everywhere you see police and PAC personnel. Barricades are set up on the roads, and everyone coming and going is being questioned. Entry of outsiders into the district is banned. Officers are continuously patrolling. Overall, the security arrangements are thorough and comprehensive.
