Bahraich Violence: Internet Suspended as Mob Torches Hospital and Shops During Durga Idol Immersion

Bahraich Violence: Internet Suspended as Mob Torches Hospital and Shops During Durga Idol Immersion

During Sunday’s Durga idol immersion procession, a hospital and multiple stores in the Mahasi area were set on fire after violence broke out in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district on Monday. The region’s internet services have been suspended by local officials in reaction to the turmoil. Several people were injured, and one person died as a result of the conflicts between two communities during the parade. Thirty people have been arrested by the police in relation to the incident, and they are presently looking for the primary suspect.

Police had to disperse demonstrators responding to the murder on Monday morning with tear gas and lathi charges. Monika Rani, the district magistrate for Bahraich, said, “We are attempting to maintain control over the situation.” On October 13, when the procession was moving through the region, the incident took place. Two parties got into a heated disagreement that turned violent. “There was a tense atmosphere because a member of the Hindu community was shot,” Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla remarked.

According to the SP, idol immersion was stopped in several places, and nefarious forces tried to take advantage of the situation to cause chaos. In connection with the event, the police have opened a case and are currently looking for the primary suspect who fled. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded to the situation by stating that anyone trying to disturb the tranquility of Bahraich will suffer dire repercussions. “Those who destroy the ambience in the Bahraich district’s Mahsi will not escape punishment. Everyone will be safe, but the rioters and those whose carelessness caused the incident will face harsh punishment,” he said on X.

To guarantee timely idol immersion, he instructed administration and police officials to be on the site and communicate with religious organizations. He promised them that the immersion of idols would continue. Keshav Prasad Maurya, the deputy chief minister, asked people to be patient and peaceful. “Any plot aimed at upsetting Uttar Pradesh’s peace would fail. We have to be on the lookout for anyone attempting to shield the rioters. The victims will receive justice, and the offenders will be held accountable,” he continued.

Also Read: Over 25 Detained and SHO Suspended Following Violence During Bahraich Idol Immersion Procession

Opposition Criticism: Following the violence, Fakhrul Hasan Chaand, the head of the Samajwadi Party (SP), chastised the BJP government for failing to keep the state’s law and order. “UP’s law and order situation has become questionable,” he said. The Bahraich event revealed intelligence inadequacies as well as the administration’s and police’s weaknesses. These problems are further highlighted by the ongoing conflicts in locations like Ghaziabad.