Clashes in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich day after man killed during idol immersion

Restless crowds 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.

The police have booked a man and detained around 30 persons 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 six persons were injured in stone pelting and firing.

There were protests at several places and slogans raised against the police and administrative officials, even as police forces conducted flag marches in the area. Black smoke billowed from some shops, houses and vehicles set ablaze.

Officials said Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and ADGP (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash had 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 said.

Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya posted on X, "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." Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X, "The news of violence in Bahraich and the inaction of the administration are extremely sad.”