Violence erupted in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, during a Durga idol immersion procession, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old man and injuries to several others. The clash, which took place on October 13, was reportedly sparked by a dispute over loud music during the procession, escalating into stone-pelting and gunfire. In the aftermath, rioters set fire to a hospital and multiple shops in the Mahsi area, prompting local authorities to suspend internet services to prevent further unrest.
Police have arrested around 30 individuals connected to the violence, with efforts ongoing to locate the primary suspects. Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani stated, “We are trying to control the situation,” as authorities engaged in crowd control measures, including lathi charges and tear gas deployment. Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla noted, “A person from the Hindu community died after bullets were fired at him,” emphasizing the serious nature of the communal tensions.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the violence, asserting that those who disrupt peace would face strict consequences. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Safety is guaranteed to all… instructions have been given to identify the rioters and those whose negligence led to the incident”. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya appealed for calm, asserting that attempts to disturb the harmony of Uttar Pradesh would not succeed.
Opposition parties, however, criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chaand remarked that the law and order situation in UP had deteriorated, highlighting systemic failures in intelligence and policing.