In Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, police resorted to tear gas and lathi charge to disperse protesters reacting to the killing of a man during clashes that erupted a day earlier amid Durga idol immersion in the Mahasi area.
Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani stated, “We are working to control the situation.”
Authorities reported that 30 individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident that occurred in the Maharajganj area of Mahasi, and a search is underway for the main suspect, who remains at large. Security measures have been intensified in the area following incidents of vandalism, where protesters damaged shops and set fire to a hospital and pharmacy.
Meanwhile reacting over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya appealed to maintain peace and emphasized that the culprits will be given “strict punishment” and victims will get “complete justice.”
In a post on X, Dy CM Maurya asserted that 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,” he said.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also appealed to the people to maintain peace and not take the law in their hands.
“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,” Priyanka said in a post on X.
The violence unfolded on October 13 when the idol immersion procession passed through a predominantly Muslim area, leading to an argument between the two communities. Bahraich Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla explained, “During the procession in Mahasi’s Maharajganj area, an argument arose as it passed by a mosque. A member of the Hindu community was shot and killed, resulting in heightened tensions.”
“At various locations, the immersion was halted, which allowed some troublemakers to exploit the situation and create further disturbances. We have detained 30 people in connection with the shooting incident and have registered a case. The search for the main accused, who is currently evading arrest, is ongoing,” added the Bahraich SP.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken notice of the unrest, stressing that those attempting to disrupt the peace in Bahraich will face consequences. “Those responsible for creating unrest in Mahsi will not go unpunished. We guarantee safety for all, and orders have been issued to identify the rioters and anyone whose negligence contributed to the incident for strict action,” Yogi stated on X.
He further assured that the immersion of idols would continue, instructing administration and police officials to be present on-site and coordinate with religious organizations to ensure timely immersion.
