Bahraich violence: Crowds torch shops and vehicles

A Durga idol immersion procession was attacked and half a dozen people were injured in stone pelting and firing . One man died

PTI Bahraich (UP): Restless crowds, some people armed with sticks and iron rods, roamed the streets and shops were set on fire as tension escalated in Bahraich on Monday, a day after a 22-year-old man was killed in communal violence during a Durga idol immersion procession. Police have booked a man and detained around 30 people in connection with the unrest that broke out in the Mahrajganj area of Mansoor village when a Durga idol immersion procession passed through on Sunday. Around half a dozen people were injured in stone pelting and firing.

There were protests at several places and slogans raised against police and administrative officials, even as police forces conducted flag marches in the area. Black smoke billowed into the sky from some shops, houses and vehicles set ablaze. Officials said Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash have reached the spot to take stock of the situation. “The situation is being brought under control and anti-social elements are being chased away,” Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bahraich Vrinda Shukla told PTI Videos. Reacting to the violence, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya posted on X, “Any conspiracy to disturb the peace and harmony of Uttar Pradesh will not be unsuccessful. Those who protect the rioters are once again becoming active, but we have to be cautious and vigilant.” “The bright future of the state will not be allowed to be tampered with,” he said in Hindi.Maurya asserted that the culprits would be given strict punishment and victims would get complete justice.

“I appeal to all citizens to maintain peace and patience,” he posted. Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in a post on X in Hindi: “The news of violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, and the inaction of the administration are extremely sad and unfortunate.” “I appeal to the chief minister of the state and the state administration to take immediate action, ,” she added.