Security stepped up in UP's Bahraich, internet suspended after youth’s killing in communal clashes

Authorities suspended internet services in Bahraich district on Oct 15, and stepped up security to maintain law and order, a day after police detained at least 30 persons in connection with the violence and murder of a 22-year-old youth in communal clashes on Oct 13.

In the Maharajganj area — the epicenter of clashes — police personnel conducted a flag march through deserted streets to prevent protests and clashes.

Trouble erupted on the evening of October 13 evening after some locals allegedly asked for the music to be turned off as a Durga idol procession passed through a Muslim neighborhood. Following this, a heated argument escalated into clashes between two groups, according to police.

The situation worsened further when Ram Gopal Mishra of Rehua Mansoor village in Mahsi tehsil was killed due to a gunshot wound fired amid clashes in the Maharajganj area. A police official was quoted as saying that raids were conducted at several places in Bahraich to arrest Salman, who is among the accused in the case.

Mishra was part of the Durga idol immersion procession, his family said. "My son has died...We want justice," PTI quoted Mishra's mother Munni Devi as saying on Oct 14.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh’s Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar on Oct 14 night urged Bahraich residents to remain vigilant against rumors and misinformation.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Devipatan Range, Amarendra Prasad Singh was quoted by PTI as saying, "The situation is tense, but we have brought it under control for now by increasing the police force."

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Deepak Kumar told PTI, "Internet services have been suspended in Bahraich district as a precautionary measure." On Oct 13 evening, authorities deployed a large contingent of security forces in the Maharajang and adjoining areas to bring the situation under control.

So far, 12 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and a company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with additional police forces from Gorakhpur zone, have been deployed to maintain law and order in the district, officials said in a statement.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered a strict crackdown, ensuring that no miscreants escape action," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a political slugfest Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Oct 14 posted on X.
"Any conspiracy to disturb UP's peace and harmony will not be unsuccessful. Those who protect the rioters are once again becoming active, but we have to be cautious and vigilant."

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a statement said that the news of violence and the "inaction" of the administration are "extremely sad and unfortunate."

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Oct 14 held the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government responsible for the violence.

"The government knows the reason for the violence. Taking action against junior officials won't help. The administration should have been alert while the (Durga idol) procession was being taken out," he posted on X.

The SP through its media cell, in a post on X in said, "Entering someone's house, hoisting one's flag and uprooting another's flag, making religiously offensive remarks, provocative slogans, changing the route of the procession are not common incidents. There should be an impartial investigation."

BJP Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Mahsi Sureshwar Singh was quoted by PTI as saying, "The last rites of Ram Gopal have been performed by his family members. He got married just four months ago. His family wants strict action against those responsible for his death."

Notably, on Oct 13 evening, many protestors armed with sticks, walked in the funeral cortege of Mishra amid slogans for justice. The tensions escalated after shops were burnt down and stones pelted at homes and moving vehicles in the Maharajganj area.

The last rites of Mishra were performed on Oct 13 evening amid heavy security.