Bahraich clashes: Cops seal borders, drones deployed after hospital, shops torched

Tension gripped Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich as hundreds protested after clashes broke out between two groups during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday, October 13. The violence erupted over the playing of music during the procession, leading to the death of a 22-year-old man and several others being injured. Clashes erupted when stones were thrown and gunshots were fired at the procession as it was passing through Bahraich’s Mahsi sub-division.
The district administration suspended internet services in the Mahsi following the clashes. To prevent the spread of violence, all border areas in Bahraich have been sealed.
During the protest, miscreants torched Lucknow Seva Hospital. The X-ray machine inside was destroyed, and the beds and windows were also damaged.
A nearby medical store was also vandalised and set ablaze, completely burning down the store.
A motorbike showroom was also set on fire with new motorcycles being consumed by the flames.
Following the clashes, heavy police forces were deployed across Bahraich to control the situation. Along with senior cops, 10 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), 2 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and 5 teams from the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF) are present at the scene.
Drones are being used to monitor the situation, while residents whose homes were set on fire during the clashes were rescued.
The police also detained at least 30 people. One man, identified as Salman, was also arrested after police found evidence of shots being fired at the procession from his home and shop.In addition, a case has also been registered against ten other people in connection with this case.
A case has been registered against 10 people in connection with the clashes. Out of the ten people, six people have been identified as– Abdul Hamid, Sarfaraz, Faheem, Sahir Khan, Nankau, and Marf Ali.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath took note of the incident and called a meeting with senior officials to discuss the law and order situation in the district.
“Those who disturbed 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 Aditynath tweeted.

“Immersion of idols will continue. Administration and police officials have been directed to be present on the spot and speak with religious organisations to ensure that the immersion of idols is done,” he added.
According to the police, the man identified as Ram Gopal Mishra, who was part of the procession, was shot. He was rushed to a hospital where he died during treatment, one of his family members said.

On Monday, October 14, victim’s family members refused to perform his last rites, stating that they would not proceed with the funeral until the accused were arrested.
The body of Mishra was then taken to the Mahsi sub-division office where locals also gathered, with sticks in their hands, demanding action against the accused.
“We are gaining control of the whole situation. We have mobilised all our forces. We are trying to disperse all the miscreants who are trying to create trouble. The situation is under control…,” Bahraich’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla told news agency ANI.
“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 checking the videos of the incident and trying to identify other accused,” Shukla said.
Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav reacted to the Bahraich clashes and appealed to all the concerned parties to work towards maintaining the law and order in the area.
“First of all, I would like to appeal that all the concerned parties should work towards maintaining the law and order.
He added that the incident happened because of the administrations negligence.