In Bahraich, UP, a conflict broke out last evening during the immersion of a Durga idol. A young man tragically lost his life, and many others were injured. Following the incident, an angry crowd began vandalizing and setting fires. Large police forces were called to regain control, and baton charges were imposed. Superintendent of Police, Vrinda Shukla, has suspended the SO in the Hardi police station and the Mehesi post in charge for negligence. Also, Chief Minister Yogi has taken notice of the incident.
Let's uncover the complete story of the Bahraich violence...
On October 13, in the evening, a Durga idol procession was underway in Maharajganj, Hardi area of Mehesi tehsil. Allegedly, a dispute arose over DJ music between two communities, which quickly escalated into a fierce clash. Stones were thrown from rooftops, and retaliatory firing occurred, claiming the life of a young man named Ramgopal Mishra. Over 15 people were injured and rushed to the hospital, where Ramgopal was declared dead by doctors.
Source: aajtak
The news of Ramgopal Mishra's death sent shockwaves across the district. People took to the streets, engaging in vandalism and arson. To control the mob, the police used force. Protesters placed Ramgopal's body on the road in front of the medical college, shouting slogans against the police. Immersion processions were halted in other areas too, as people demanded strict action against those responsible and blocked the highway. Tensions escalated from village to city.
Stern Action Against Miscreants: CM Yogi
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a statement from Lucknow. He asserted that those disrupting peace would not be spared and directed officials to identify and act against the miscreants.
What Did the Villagers Say?
Villagers recounted that as the Durga procession moved from Maharajganj to Rehua Mansur village, some people from another community objected to the DJ music, sparking the conflict that led to stone-pelting and gunfire, injuring over a dozen people from the Hindu community.
Source: aajtak
Station In-charge and Post Officer Suspended
The situation became severe, prompting DM and SP Vrinda Shukla to step out on the streets wearing helmets at night. High-ranking police officers also arrived at the scene. DM Monika Rani reported that around 25 people involved in the violence have been named in the FIR, and stern action is promised against all those involved. The event was recorded on video to identify miscreants and understand roles in the violence.
Source: aajtak
The SP announced the suspension of the station and Mehesi post in charge due to negligence. A thorough investigation is underway, ensuring no one involved in the violence is spared. The police are actively arresting those responsible, and 30 people have been detained so far.
Despite the actions taken by the SP, locals remain agitated, alleging negligence by the local police, who allegedly attacked the victims with batons. During the violence, the police and administration appeared to be on the backfoot. Had there been preparations in place, such a large-scale incident might have been averted.
