Bahraich violence: Protestors torch shops, hospitals after man killed during idol immersion clash
Protestors vandalized shops and set fire to hospitals and pharmacies in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district on Monday, following violent clashes between two communities during the immersion of Durga idols in the Mahasi area the previous day.
According to police, 30 people have been taken into custody in connection with the violence, and authorities have launched a manhunt for the main accused.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that strict action would be taken against the rioters and those responsible for the violence. “Those attempting to disturb the peace will not be spared,” he said in a post on X .
“Safety is guaranteed for all. Instructions have been given to identify the rioters and those whose negligence led to the incident, and strict action will be taken against them,” Adityanath added. He also said that the immersion processions would continue under strict supervision, with police and administration officials coordinating with religious groups to ensure the ceremonies are completed on time.
The violence was triggered on Sunday when members of the Hindu and Muslim communities clashed during a Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area. One person was killed and several others were injured during the altercation.
According to police, the incident occurred when the procession passed through a predominantly Muslim area, leading to a dispute between the two groups.
Bahraich Superintendent of Police, Vrinda Shukla, said, “In Mahasi’s Maharajganj area, a procession was passing by a mosque. An argument erupted between the groups, and a member of the Hindu community was shot and killed, which escalated tensions.”
Shukla added that some individuals exploited the situation by halting idol immersions in various locations, sparking further unrest. “We have taken 30 people into custody and registered a case related to the shooting. The search for the main accused, who is currently on the run, is ongoing.”
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya called for calm and promised that the perpetrators would face “strict punishment” while assuring that justice would be served to the victims.
(With ANI input)