Bahraich Violence: Protests erupt in UP following clashes as family demands justice, refuses to cremate body

PTC News Desk: A tragic incident in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man and left several others injured during clashes between two groups on Sunday, October 13. The violence erupted over the playing of music during a Durga idol immersion procession, leading to a wave of protests and unrest in the area.

The clashes began as the procession moved through the Mahsi sub-division of Bahraich, where tensions escalated into violence as stones were thrown and gunshots were fired. According to police reports, a man named Ram Gopal Mishra, who was part of the procession, was shot and subsequently succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. This incident sparked outrage among locals, who set several vehicles ablaze in protest.

In response to the unrest, the district administration imposed a temporary suspension of internet services in the Mahsi sub-division to prevent further escalation of violence. Police detained at least 30 individuals connected to the clashes, and one man, identified as Salman, was arrested after evidence emerged that shots had been fired at the procession from his home and shop.

Government response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took swift action in response to the Bahraich communal clashes, convening a meeting with senior officials to address the law and order situation in the district. In a statement posted on X, he emphasised that those responsible for disturbing the peace would face strict consequences.

“Those who spoiled the law and order situation in Bahraich's Mahsi will not be spared. Safety is guaranteed to all, but instructions have been given to identify the rioters and those whose negligence led to the incident and take strict action against them,” Yogi Adityanath stated. He also assured that the immersion of idols would proceed as planned, instructing administration and police officials to engage with local religious organisations to maintain order during the process.

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The family of Ram Gopal Mishra refused to conduct his last rites on Monday, October 14, demanding the arrest of all accused individuals before proceeding with the funeral. They transported Mishra's body to the Mahsi sub-division office, where community members gathered, armed with sticks, to demand justice and action against those responsible for the violence. Additionally, a bike showroom in the area was vandalised during the protests.

Bahraich's Superintendent of Police (SP), Vrinda Shukla, was present at the scene alongside other senior officials. She reported that two police officials had been suspended due to negligence related to the handling of the situation.

“As many as 30 people have been detained. One of the accused, Salman, from whose home gunshots were fired, has been arrested. The Durga idol immersion has started again. We are reviewing the incident videos to identify other suspects,” Shukla confirmed.

Call for restraint

In light of the escalating tensions, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader ST Hasan urged communities to refrain from provoking one another and taking the law into their own hands. Speaking to news agency ANI, Hasan stated, “No community should agitate the other community. They should not take the law into their own hands. The right way is to convey your problems to the administration.”

He expressed concern that conflicts like these often devolve into Hindu-Muslim violence, which ultimately undermines societal cohesion and national stability.

The events in Bahraich reflect broader communal tensions in Uttar Pradesh, as authorities strive to maintain peace and prevent further outbreaks of violence amid rising frustrations and grievances among local communities.

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