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Fatal clashes erupt in Bahraich, UP: One dead, multiple arrests as communal violence spirals

As the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja turn to chaos, Bahraich grapples with loss, fear, and the urgent quest for justice amidst rising communal tensions; internet ban imposed, police deployed, 30 detained, 10 booked for murder

The communal violence that gripped Mahsi tehsil in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, following the killing of a man during a Durga idol immersion procession, has led to widespread unrest. What began as a verbal spat over a request to lower the volume of music escalated into stone-pelting, gunfire, and the tragic death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal. As the situation deteriorated, protesters resorted to arson and vandalism on Monday, setting shops and a hospital on fire. In response, the local administration suspended internet services to control the unrest.

The Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) swiftly suspended the Station House Officer of Hardi police station and the Mahsi outpost in-charge. Thirty individuals were arrested in connection with the violence, and a search for the main accused is underway. On Monday (October 14) morning, when protests over the killing turned violent, police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani confirmed that efforts were being made to regain control of the situation.

The clash initially broke out on Sunday (October 13) evening, when a Durga idol procession passing through a Muslim-majority area was asked to lower its music. A verbal altercation quickly escalated into stone-pelting between two groups, and the situation worsened when gunshots were allegedly fired. Ram Gopal sustained a bullet injury and later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.

A video that circulated widely on social media captured Gopal standing on the roof of a building, where he was seen tearing down a green flag before energetically waving a saffron flag. Below, a mob encouraged him, shouting slogans like “Jai Bajrang Bali” and “Jai Shree Ram.” In another video, which was shared by multiple journalists on social media, an individual was seen dragging Mishra’s lifeless body down from the rooftop while stones were being hurled at them.

A murder case has reportedly been registered against 10 individuals, including four unidentified persons, based on a complaint by Ram Gopal’s brother, Hari Milan. The complaint claimed that Ram Gopal was dragged into the home of an accused, Abdul Hameed, where he was shot and also attacked with swords. Meanwhile, police continued flag marches in the Maharajganj area, where streets remained deserted under heavy police presence and an ongoing internet blackout.

This report offers a comprehensive look at the events that unfolded, tracing the roots of the violence, the police response, and the prevailing atmosphere of tension and fear in Bahraich, a region now caught in the cycle of escalating communal clashes.

Brief timeline of events: Communal tensions in Mahsi Tehsil, Bahraich

October 13, 2024

3:00 PM

In Maharajganj Bazaar, tensions rise during a Durga idol immersion procession. As the procession passes through a Muslim-majority area, locals object to the loud music being played by the DJ. A verbal confrontation ensues, which quickly escalates, with both sides engaging in stone-pelting. Police arrive but struggle to bring the situation under control.

3:30 PM

Amid the chaos, Ram Gopal Mishra, a devotee, climbs onto a rooftop and replaces a flag with a saffron one. This act fuels further unrest, and the stone-pelting intensifies. Community members, armed with swords and knives, begin targeting the procession, exacerbating the violence.

4:00 PM

Ram Gopal is dragged into a house, brutally beaten, and shot multiple times. Another man, Rajan, attempts to intervene and save Ram Gopal but is critically injured in the process.

6:00 PM

News of Ram Gopal’s murder spreads rapidly. The procession spirals out of control, turning violent. Protesters set vehicles on fire, while an angry crowd gathers outside the hospital, accusing the police of negligence and inaction.

9:00 PM

As tensions escalate, police resort to a lathi charge to disperse the growing crowd. However, stone-pelting continues, further intensifying the volatile situation.

10:00 PM

BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh arrives on the scene, promising swift action against those responsible for the violence. Despite the assurance, the crowd refuses to disperse, demanding immediate justice.

10:21 PM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issues a stern warning, ordering stringent action against those disturbing the peace and escalating the situation.

October 14, 2024

9:00 AM

The autopsy of Ram Gopal Mishra confirms that he sustained fatal gunshot wounds, along with multiple cuts from sharp weapons, confirming the brutal nature of the attack.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Protests flare once again as enraged locals take to the streets, engaging in a rampage. Shops are vandalised, and more vehicles are set on fire. The atmosphere remains tense.

11:00 AM

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dispatches senior officials to Bahraich to assess the situation, including Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Amitabh Yash and Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta, in an effort to restore order.

12:30 PM

With the heavy presence of security forces, including senior officers and reinforcements, calm begins to return to the area. Despite the tensions, the situation gradually stabilises.

1:00 PM

A significant police deployment is made, with four SP/SSP-ranked officers, four DSPs, one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and three companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) stationed in the area to prevent further violence.

1:30 PM

Ram Gopal’s last rites are performed under tight security, as the district administration remains on high alert.

Tensions erupt in Bahraich: Violence and aftermath

As the situation deteriorated, gunfire was allegedly exchanged, and Ram Gopal sustained a gunshot wound. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he died during treatment. This incident has left the region on edge, with the local administration working to restore peace and stability.

The case was registered at the Hardi police station, based on a complaint by Ram Gopal’s brother, Hari Milan. The complaint stated that Ram Gopal was dragged into the house of a man identified as Abdul Hameed, where he was beaten and shot. Hari Milan also alleged that his brother was attacked with swords during the assault.

Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla confirmed that a member of the Hindu community lost his life after being shot during clashes in Maharajganj Bazaar. “The situation became tense following the shooting, and Visarjan (idol immersion) processions were halted in several areas, allowing mischievous elements to take advantage and create disturbances,” Shukla said.

As per media report, Shukla had also stated that 30 individuals had been detained in connection with the violence. Notably, the police has also launched an investigation, during which a man named Salman was arrested after evidence revealed gunfire originating from his home, which also functions as a shop. Reports from India Today suggest that a case has been registered against ten individuals involved in the violence, under the charge of murder. Six of the suspects have been identified as Abdul Hameed, Sarfaraz, Faheem, Sahir Khan, Nankau, and Marf Ali, with the identities of four others yet to be confirmed. According to India Today, SP Shukla had stated, “A case has been registered against Salman as gunshots were fired from his residence.”

Arson and escalation after Ram Gopal’s death

The unrest further intensified on October 14, a day after Ram Gopal was shot to death, following the release of Ram Gopal’s body to his family after a post-mortem. A large group of people, carrying the body, marched to Mahsi tehsil, where they staged a protest demanding capital punishment for those involved in his murder. The protesters initially refused to conduct the last rites until their demands were met.

Deceased Ram Gopal’s funeral was held on Monday under heavy security, following considerable tensions in the area. The funeral procession, attended by scores of people armed with sticks, was marked by cries for justice from the family and community members, as tensions escalated. Ram Gopal, who was 22 years old, was newly married and had been part of the procession when he was fatally shot. His video of removing the flag atop of a house, and replacing with a saffron flag had gone viral. His mother, speaking to PTI expressed her grief: “My son was going with the idol for immersion when he was dragged inside and shot to death.”

Pramod Kumar, a relative of the deceased, expressed frustration, blaming the police for negligence. “If we had received police protection, this tragedy would not have occurred. We demand justice for Ram Gopal and adequate compensation for his family,” he said, while another relative, Priti, demanded the accused be hanged and their houses demolished. She claimed Ram Gopal had been shot 15 times during the attack.

After the funeral, scores of people, some armed with sticks, walked around the district and indulged in violence and arson. Tensions escalated with shops and homes, particularly belonging to Muslims, being burnt down by the angry crowds out in the streets. During the clashes, homes, shops, and vehicles were damaged, with stone-pelting causing widespread destruction. A two-wheeler showroom in Hardi was also set ablaze. Several individuals, reportedly more than half a dozen were injured in the ensuing stone-pelting and gunfire, and the district administration suspended internet services to curb the spread of rumours and prevent further violence.

Police efforts and situation control

Referring to the violence and arson that gripped Bahraich on Monday, Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar later stated that the situation in Bahraich had been brought under control. He emphasised that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed the police to intensify their efforts to track down those responsible for the violence. The police chief also urged local residents to remain vigilant and not fall prey to misinformation or rumours circulating in the region.

Meanwhile, following the assurance of strict police action, the halted Durga idol immersion rituals resumed in the area, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the heightened tensions. The police, equipped with drones, are reportedly continuing surveillance efforts and conducting raids to apprehend suspects. They are also reviewing video and photographic evidence to identify the attackers.

Despite the situation being largely under control, fresh reports of violence emerged from Nakawa village on Monday night, where several shops and homes were torched by unidentified assailants. The attackers also attempted to target a religious structure before police forces intervened and restored order.

Reactions by ministers and leaders from the BJP party

Yogi Adityanath responds to Bahraich violence, vows strict action: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the escalating tensions in Bahraich, particularly in Mahsi tehsil, and assured that those responsible for disturbing the peace would face strict action. “Anyone attempting to vitiate the atmosphere in Mahsi of Bahraich district will not be spared,” he declared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

He emphasised that while safety would be ensured for everyone, the rioters and those whose negligence contributed to the incident would be held accountable. In his statement, Adityanath also confirmed that the idol immersion processions would continue uninterrupted. He added that police and administration officials had been instructed to be on the ground, communicating with religious groups to ensure the timely and peaceful completion of the immersion rituals.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya calls for peace: Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed similar sentiments, urging the public to maintain peace and patience. “Any conspiracy to disrupt the peace and harmony in Uttar Pradesh will not succeed,” he said on Monday, warning that those providing shelter to rioters were becoming active again.

Maurya underscored that the state’s bright future would not be compromised and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He appealed to the public to stay vigilant and calm, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

Local Leaders express condolences and call for action: BJP MLA from Mahsi, Sureshwar Singh, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, Ram Gopal Mishra, and demanded swift action against those responsible for the violence. “We are proceeding with the last rites of the deceased, who was recently married just four months ago,” Singh told PTI.

He conveyed that the family was seeking legal action against the culprits, including the suspension of local police officials for their negligence.

Meanwhile, UP BJP President Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary described the incident as unfortunate and assured that the state government was fully alert. “The accused are being thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against them,” he said. Chaudhary emphasised that CM Adityanath had taken immediate cognizance of the situation and vowed that not only the accused but anyone assisting them would also face consequences.

Security measures and administrative response: As per multiple media reports, CM Adityanath dispatched ADG, Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, and Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta to Bahraich to oversee the situation. Additionally, four IPS officers and senior police officials were deployed to the region to restore order. In response to the violence, 12 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were stationed in Bahraich to bring the situation under control.

As part of the immediate action taken, Station House Officer (SHO) of Hardi police station, Suresh Kumar Verma, along with a sub-inspector, were suspended for their failure to prevent the unrest.

BJP MLA’s actions amplify communal divisions amid unrest in Bahraich: According to a report of The Wire, a BJP MLA has further inflamed communal tensions on social media by sharing a list of Muslim journalists, questioning their impartiality in reporting on recent events. Shalabh Mani Tripathi, the BJP MLA from Deoria and former media advisor to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, took to X to state, “Just read the names of the journalists sending news from Bahraich, and you will understand how unbiased and true the news is. A group of YouTubers is also involved. The whole system is engaged in saving the rioters and spreading lies.”

In his post, Tripathi, who has a background as a television journalist before joining the BJP, included a list of 13 journalists—all of whom are Muslim—along with their respective media affiliations, which included outlets like NDTV, PTI, India TV, ANI, News 24, Bhaskar TV, and Bharat Samachar. Notably, while numerous journalists from the Hindu community are also covering the situation in Bahraich, Tripathi chose to single out only those from the Muslim community, thereby exacerbating communal divisions and raising concerns about bias in his own rhetoric.

Failure to implement orders led to Bahraich violence, says government official

The communal violence in Bahraich could have been avoided if the local administration had acted on the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a senior state government official told Hindustan Times. The official pointed out that the Bahraich administration failed to deploy additional police forces in the communally sensitive Mahsi area and did not organise regular patrolling to monitor the activities of anti-social elements who later incited violence and disrupted communal harmony.

During a law-and-order review meeting held on October 1, the Chief Minister had instructed police and district administration officers to remain on high alert around the clock, particularly during festival seasons. Reportedly, CM Yogi had emphasised the importance of assessing even small incidents that had occurred during past festivals in the state to prevent any unrest. CM Adityanath had specifically directed the authorities to take necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming festive period, which included Sharadiya Navratri through to Chhath Puja.

Bahraich Violence Sparks Political Reactions amid By-Election Concerns

Without directly referencing Bahraich, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav suggested that the “worsening of the communal atmosphere” just ahead of the upcoming by-elections was “not a coincidence.” Criticising the Uttar Pradesh government, Yadav remarked that the administration should have monitored what was being played on loudspeakers during the Durga idol immersion procession.

Appealing for calm from both communities, Yadav called the incident unfortunate and questioned the government’s approach. “The administration, government, and media know why this happened. The government should ensure justice. When the procession started, the administration should have checked its route and ensured sufficient police deployment. If I reveal what was being played on those loudspeakers, the government will offer a different narrative,” he said.

SP leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand also criticised the BJP government, pointing to the failures in managing law and order. “In the Bahraich incident, the administration’s shortcomings were exposed. It was a failure of both the police and intelligence. This is evident not only in Bahraich but also in the ongoing tensions in Ghaziabad,” he said.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to X, expressing deep concern over the violence and the administration’s response, calling it “extremely sad and unfortunate.” She urged the Chief Minister and state authorities to take immediate and strict action, involve the public to rebuild trust, and work to end the violence. “Strictest action should be taken against the culprits. I appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, SP leader ST Hasan emphasised the need for accountability. “We live in a peaceful country with a history of Hindu-Muslim harmony. Those attempting to disrupt peace, whether political figures or common citizens, should face action,” he said in an interview with ANI.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also expressed concern over the law-and-order situation in Bahraich. In a Hindi post on X, she wrote, “It is worrying that law and order in Bahraich has deteriorated and is out of control. The government and administration must act without bias, strictly according to the law, so the situation does not worsen, and peace is maintained.”

 

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