Bahraich Violence Erupts During Durga Immersion: Internet Suspended, Mob Torches Hospital and Shops

Communal violence broke out in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, during a Durga idol immersion, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. A hospital and shops were set on fire, prompting the local administration to suspend internet services. Thirty individuals have been arrested, and police are searching for the main accused.

Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district following a clash between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area on Sunday. The situation escalated when a person from the Hindu community was fatally shot, leading to widespread unrest. Several others were injured during the clash, which resulted in a mob torching a hospital and multiple shops in the area.

In response to the violence, the Bahraich district administration suspended internet services to prevent further escalation. Police have arrested 30 individuals in connection with the incident and are actively searching for the main accused, who remains at large. The police had to resort to lathi charges and used tear gas to disperse the crowd after protests against the murder turned violent on Monday morning.

Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani assured the public that the authorities are working to control the situation, while Bahraich Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla explained that the argument between the two groups during the procession had sparked the violence.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the situation, stating that those responsible for disturbing the peace in Bahraich would face strict consequences. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized that the safety of all citizens is paramount and that both the rioters and those whose negligence contributed to the violence would be held accountable. He further directed officials to ensure that the idol immersions continue smoothly.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also appealed for peace, urging the public to maintain patience and vigilance, while assuring that the state’s law enforcement would ensure justice for the victims and strict punishment for the culprits.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand of the Samajwadi Party criticized the state government, stating that the Bahraich incident highlighted the administration’s failure to maintain law and order. He pointed to shortcomings in police and intelligence operations, noting that similar unrest had also occurred recently in Ghaziabad.

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With tensions still high in Bahraich, the police and administration remain on high alert to prevent any further outbreaks of violence, as the investigation into the incident continues.