Bahraich violence: Shops, vehicles torched; internet services suspended

Scores of people, some armed with sticks, walked along the cortege of a youth killed during a Durga procession here amid cries for justice from his family and others on Monday, a day of escalating tensions that saw shops being burnt and angry crowds walking the streets.

The last rites of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra, who died during the communal violence that broke out in Maharajganj area near Rehua Mansoor village in Mahsi tehsil on Sunday, were performed amid heavy police presence.

About half a dozen people were injured in stone-pelting and firing that followed after Mishra died. Police officials said the internet services had been suspended in Bahraich district as a precautionary measure.

Sources confirmed three arrests in the case so far and added that a case had been registered against six identified and 24 unidentified people for murder and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

About 30 people have been detained in connection with the unrest. Police said raids were on to arrest Salman, who is among the named accused in the case.

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.

Munni Devi, mother of Mishra, told PTI Videos, "My son has died...We want justice."

Mishra, a resident of the village, was part of the Durga idol immersion procession. After being hit by a bullet, he was rushed to a hospital where he died during treatment, his family said.

"The last rites of Ram Gopal have been performed by his family," BJP MLA from Mahsi Sureshwar Singh told PTI.

"He had got married four months ago. His family wants strict action against those responsible for his death," the MLA said.

He said Hardi police station SHO Suresh Kumar Verma and a police outpost in-charge had been suspended.

Rajrani, Mishra's sister, told PTI Videos, "My brother's entire body had gunshot wounds."

Eyewitnesses said a massive crowd had gathered for Mishra's funeral procession when the body reached Rehua Mansoor village on Monday morning.