Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Bahraich Violence Ahead of UP Elections

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Bahraich Violence Ahead of UP Elections

The Samajwadi Party’s leader, Akhilesh Yadav, has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being behind the violence in Bahraich ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Yadav said the BJP planned the event for political reasons in a Mainpuri interview on Monday.

After Ram Gopal Mishra, 22, was shot and killed during a religious procession on October 13, rioting broke out. A argument about loud music being played outside a site of worship in Maharajganj reportedly sparked a wave of communal animosity that swiftly turned into destruction and flames. Authorities had to halt internet access for four days as protesters set fire to stores, cars, and even a hospital.

Six people were listed in the at least 11 FIRs that were filed between October 13 and October 16 and involved about 1,000 people. During a confrontation while trying to escape to Nepal, two suspects in the murder of Mishra were shot in the leg by police. In addition to Circle Officer Rupendra Gaur, Tehsildar Ravikant Dwivedi, and District Information Officer Ghulam Waris Siddiqui losing their positions, a station house officer (SHO) and an outpost in-charge were suspended.

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Several people in the impacted area have also received demolition notices from the UP administration. The Allahabad High Court, however, gave these people additional time to reply and scheduled the next hearing for October 23.