Tension Grips UP's Bahraich After Man Dies In Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion, 30 Detained

Bahraich: Police have booked a man and detained around 30 people in connection with the communal violence that erupted in Bahraich’s Mansoor village, leading to the death of a 22-year-old man. The incident occurred during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday when clashes broke out involving stone pelting and gunfire, leaving several injured.

Tensions Escalate in Bahraich

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla confirmed that a case has been registered against a man identified as Salman, from whose house gunshots were fired. The house also doubles as a shop, and investigations are ongoing to determine the identities of all those involved. "We have detained 25-30 people, and all anarchist elements will be identified. Strict action will follow," Shukla said, adding that additional police forces have been deployed to restore order.

Sunday's violence was triggered by a disagreement over music being blasted out from loudspeakers while the procession was passing through the area.

Ram Gopal Mishra of Rehua Mansoor village was walking in the procession when he suffered a bullet wound. He was rushed to a hospital where he died during treatment, one of his family members said.

CM Adityanath to Hold Meeting

As tensions rose in the area, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to hold a high-level meeting with all top officials to address the situation. Earlier, he vowed that those responsible for disturbing communal harmony would face strict action. "Stringent measures will be taken against anyone causing trouble during festivals. This will not be tolerated," he wrote in an X post. 

Adityanath also instructed officials to ensure police presence at upcoming immersion sites to prevent further unrest and called for dialogue with religious organizations to ensure smooth proceedings during future processions. “The immersion process must be conducted peacefully and on time,” he added. 

He also directed police to deploy personnel at the immersion sites.

(With Inputs from PTI)