Uttar Pradesh: Bahraich on edge after youth’s killing in communal clashes, 30 suspects arrested

A day after a 22-year-old youth was killed in an alleged communal clash in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, police on Oct 14 said that they have arrested 30 suspects in connection with the violence and murder.

Clashes erupted in Bahraich on Oct 13 evening after some locals allegedly asked for the music to be turned off as a Durga idol procession passed through a Muslim neighborhood. A heated argument escalated into clashes and stone-pelting between two groups, police said.

The situation worsened after Ram Gopal Mishra, a local resident was killed due to a gunshot wound amid clashes between two groups.

On Oct 14, Mishra’s body was handed over to his family after the postmortem. A group of youth carrying the body on their shoulders marched through Mahsi tehsil and protested demanding capital punishment for those involved in the murder. Protesters said they will not conduct final rites unless the culprits are arrested.

A senior police officer was quoted as saying on Oct 14 that they have arrested at least 30 suspects and investigation is ongoing.
Following requests by senior political leaders and district and government officials, the family agreed to conduct the last rites. According to police, stones were pelted at homes, shops, and moving vehicles, and a two-wheeler showroom in the Hardi area was set on fire on on Oct 14.

Senior civil and police officials rushed to the spot to calm the protesters but the protests continued. Amid protests, police set up barricades at various roads in the district to prevent outsiders from entering the area.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed Additional Director General, Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, and Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta to monitor the situation and remain present on the ground.

Meanwhile, local residents in Bahraich, who had halted the immersion of Durga idols following the incident resumed the ritual on Oct 14 after being assured by the police and administration that strict action would be taken against the accused.

Police are using drones to keep a watch in the area and conducting raids to trace miscreants. They are identifying the assailants using videos and photographs of the incident, a police officer was quoted as saying.

Superintendent of Police, Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla was quoted as saying the clashes erupted after two groups confronted each other in the Maharajganj area under Mahsi tehsil. She confirmed that the idol immersions have resumed.

Authorities on Oct 14 put under suspension Station House Officer of Hardi police station, Suresh Kumar Verma and a sub-inspector also for their alleged dereliction of duties.