New Delhi: Following the violent clashes in Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich, the area remains under tight security with a restriction on movement. Shops and businesses have been shut down, and Maharajganj has been transformed into a police encampment, with local law enforcement and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) stationed across the region.
The violence, which erupted on Sunday, resulted in the death of Ramgopal Mishra. His post-mortem was completed, and his family has taken his body back to their village, Mahsi. However, the family has refused to conduct the final rites and is instead planning a protest by bringing the body to the local tehsil office, demanding justice.
Clash over DJ music during immersion
The incident occurred during an idol immersion procession, where two communities clashed, allegedly DJ music during the event. The confrontation escalated, leading to stone pelting and gunfire. Ramgopal was killed, and several others were injured, including Rajan (30), Sudhakar Tiwari (22), Satyavan (42), and Akhilesh Bajpai (52), all of whom were taken to the district hospital for treatment.
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Protesters also blocked the Bahraich-Sitapur highway in response to the violence, halting the immersion procession. Authorities are urging calm and requesting locals to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Senior police officials have arrived at the scene, and a significant police force has been deployed to maintain order.
Man held for killing Ramgopal
Meanwhile, the person responsible for the killing has been arrested. Additionally, two police officers have been suspended due to their handling of the situation. Tensions remain high, and the situation continues to be monitored closely by law enforcement.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath earlier on Sunday said that miscreants disrupting peace will face consequences. He directed officials to identify the troublemakers and take strict action against them.
He emphasised that immersion rituals should not be halted, as per a report by the Times of India, insisting, “The immersion of idols must proceed without interruptions. It’s crucial to engage in dialogue with religious organizations to ensure the process goes smoothly and on schedule.” Yogi also instructed authorities to pinpoint officials whose negligence led to the unrest and to take action against them.
