Bahraich violence news: What led to clash in UP city, are internet services shut? What we know so far

Bahraich violence news: Shops and vehicles were set on fire as communal violence erupted in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday. The conflict started on Sunday when clashes were reported during Durga idol immersion in Mahasi Maharajganj area in Bahraich. One youth was killed in the incident.

On Monday, some people armed with sticks and iron rods were seen roaming on the streets. Protests were held at several places even as police forces conducted flag marches in the affected area. To disperse the protestors, the police resorted to tear gas and lathicharge.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath denounced the violence and said the guilty will not be spared. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi appealed to the chief minister and the state administration to take immediate action. "...take the public into confidence and stop the violence. Strictest action should be taken against the culprits," she said in a post on X.

Bahraich violence: What led to clashes, communal tension

The communal clashes erupted during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday, following a disagreement over music being blasted from loudspeakers. 

A 22-year-old man was killed as communal violence broke out during the procession in the Mahrajganj area in Bahraich's Mansoor village. Around half a dozen people were injured in stone pelting and firing while 30 were detained.

Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP)  Vrinda Shukla said on Sunday that the procession in the Mahasi Maharajganj area was passing by a mosque (orMasjid), “through a Muslim area”. 

“The groups argued on some issues...A person from the Hindu community died after bullets were fired at him...At various places, Visarjan was stopped...,” the official said.

Are mobile internet services shut in Bahraich?

Yes, mobile internet services are suspended in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh due to communal violence, the Times of India reported.

Bahraich violence: What has happened so far

Police said a man was booked and around 30 people were detained in connection with the unrest. "The situation is now under control and the Visarjan at various places has resumed...30 people have been taken into custody and the case has been registered. The search for the main accused who is absconding is underway...," the Bahraich SP said.

Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash visited 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.

In a post on social media platform X, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said: "Any conspiracy to disturb the peace and harmony of Uttar Pradesh will not be successful. 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.

Meanwhile, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Muhammed Basheer said, “ I feel extremely sorry to hear about this...tension still prevails...lawlessness is prevailing there (UP). Main reason is that govt is miserably failing in controlling this kind of thing. On the other hand, because of the wrongdoings of the govt, such situations are arising... every day we get sad stories from UP.” 

"The government's approach is really instrumental in creating this kind of mistrust between communities...let a very comprehensive enquiry take place and the culprits should be brought before the law...govt should control these types of things or else they are encouraging such incidents...," Basheer said.