Bahraich violence: 87 arrested, shops vandalised, and police encounter escalates
PTC News Desk: Shopkeepers in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, cleared out their stores on Saturday as a demolition drive loomed following the communal unrest triggered by a man’s death during a Durga Puja procession. The unrest, which erupted on October 13, resulted in arrests, vandalism, and increased police activity.
Ram Gopal Mishra, a 22-year-old man, was shot dead in the Maharajganj area during a communal clash. The confrontation began when a group objected to loud music being played near a religious institution. A viral video showed Mishra frantically removing a green flag from a house rooftop and replacing it with a saffron one. Moments later, he was shot.
Mishra was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The incident triggered violent reactions, including stone-pelting, arson, and destruction of property in the district.
Following Mishra’s death, tensions simmered for days, leading to multiple incidents of vandalism and arson. The authorities had to suspend internet services for four days to prevent further escalation. Shops, homes, and vehicles were damaged, with a car showroom being set on fire on October 14. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the police to act firmly against lawbreakers and met with Mishra's family, promising justice.
Additional security forces, including paramilitary units, were deployed to maintain order. Mishra's family initially refused to cremate his body, holding a protest that ended only after receiving assurances from police and local authorities.
On Thursday, five men were arrested in connection with Mishra’s murder following an encounter with the UP Police, during which two suspects, Mohammad Talim and Mohammad Sarfaraz, were injured. The suspects, including Mohammad Faheen, Abdul Hameed, and Mohammad Afzal, allegedly attempted to flee to Nepal.
By Friday, the police had arrested 87 people and filed 11 FIRs, booking over 1,000 individuals for their involvement in the violence. In response to the unrest, several local officials, including Circle Officer Rupendra Gaur, Tehsildar Ravikant Dwivedi, and District Information Officer Ghulam Waris Siddiqui, were removed from their posts, while other police officers were suspended.
The Public Works Department (PWD) began inspections in Maharajganj, measuring 20-25 properties, including one owned by Abdul Hameed, a suspect in Mishra’s killing. Hameed received a notice stating that his home was illegally built within 60 feet of a road’s central point in a rural area and must be vacated within three days or face demolition.
The District Magistrate, Monika Rani, stated that the "encroachments" were being cleared as part of a road-widening initiative. An official, speaking anonymously, called it a routine exercise to remove illegal structures from intersections and road junctions.
As the demolition drive approached, shopkeepers began emptying their stores, especially after notices were served to 23 businesses—20 of them owned by Muslims. BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh commented that up to 50 shops on the Maharajganj bypass may face action, emphasizing that no one would be exempt, regardless of religion.
Roli Mishra, the widow of Ram Gopal Mishra, demanded that her husband’s killers face the same fate, accusing authorities of corruption and delays in delivering justice. She expressed dissatisfaction with the police's actions, stating, “We have been shown that they [the suspects] have bullet wounds on their legs, but justice is not being done.”
However, Mishra’s father, Kailash Nath Mishra, felt reassured after meeting with CM Yogi Adityanath, who promised financial aid, a job for the widow, and other benefits. Despite this, he echoed his daughter-in-law's call for harsher punishment, insisting that his son’s killers should suffer the same fate.
On Saturday, Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey was barred from visiting Bahraich, citing concerns that his visit might inflame tensions. The opposition leader was advised by both the district magistrate and his party to delay his trip for three days to avoid worsening the situation.
Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi's cousin discloses family spends up to Rs 40 lakh annually on jailed gangster
- With inputs from agencies
