Monday, 14 October 2024
Monday, 14 October 2024
The festive spirit of a Durga idol immersion procession was abruptly shattered by a dispute over loudspeakers in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, leading to stone pelting, gunfire, and the death of a 22-year-old man, on October 13. Police have booked a man and detained around 30 people in connection with the violence. The face-off occurred on October 13 in the Mahrajganj area of Mansoor village. Around half a dozen people were injured in stone pelting and firing.
Restless crowds, some people armed with sticks and iron rods, roamed the streets and shops were set on fire as tension escalated in Bahraich today. 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.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla said efforts were underway to restore normalcy in the affected areas. "All anarchist elements will be identified," she said. She added that an adequate police force has been deployed.
A case has been registered against a man identified as Salman, from whose house gunshots were allegedly fired. Shukla confirmed that some suspects had been detained, and their identities are being verified.
Ram Gopal Mishra of Rehua Mansoor village was walking in the procession when he suffered a bullet wound. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment, according to family members. BJP MLA from Mahsi Sureshwar Singh told said, "We are moving ahead with the last rites of the deceased person. Barely four months ago, he got married. The family members of the deceased demand that cases should be registered against those responsible, and action should be initiated against them. The SHO and the in-charge of the police outpost should be suspended."
Following the incident, tensions soared in the area, leading to the cancellation of similar processions in nearby towns, including Fakharpur. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the violence and instructed authorities to ensure timely completion of idol immersions, coordinating with religious organisations. He also directed police to deploy personnel at all immersion sites to maintain order.
