Communal violence broke out in the Maharajganj town of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, during a Durga idol immersion procession. The violence led to the vandalism of over 50 homes, forcing several Muslim families to flee the village. The unrest, which began on October 13, spread until October 14.
How did the violence begin?
The violence ignited during a Durga idol immersion procession that passed near a mosque in Maharajganj. Over 100 people, mounted on tractors, were playing loud music and chanting along with the DJ’s tunes when a young man named Ramgopal Mishra climbed onto the roof of a house near the mosque and removed a flag to hoist a saffron flag instead. This act led to heightened tensions in the area, triggering stone-pelting between groups.
During the clashes, Ramgopal was seriously injured and taken to the hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The news of his death infuriated the crowd, which turned violent, setting fire to several Muslim homes, shops, and vehicles.
Ramgopal’s Killing and the Crowd’s Fury
Ramgopal’s death further escalated the situation. Eyewitnesses claimed that he was dragged into Abdul Hamid’s house, where he was shot dead. His sister, Preeti, revealed that his body bore 15 bullet wounds and his neck had been slashed. As news of his killing spread, panic ensued in the marketplace, and an enraged mob set many homes and vehicles ablaze.
Muslim Families Flee the Village
In the aftermath of the violence, fear gripped the area. Many Muslim families in and around Maharajganj were forced to abandon their homes. Some houses were found locked, while others were completely deserted. Police have identified 20 villages from where the rioters had gathered.
Police Action and the Situation on the Ground
In response to the escalating violence, the authorities imposed a curfew-like situation in the area. Bahraich SP Vrinda Shukla stated that police from 12 stations, along with PAC and RAF units, were deployed to bring the situation under control. So far, 25 people have been arrested, and 10 individuals, including Abdul Hamid, Rinku alias Sarfaraz, Faheem, Raja alias Sahir Khan, Nankau, and Maruf Ali, have been charged.
The administration divided the area into 12 zones and stationed police in sensitive villages. Four special police teams have been formed to arrest those involved in the violence. Hardi Station In-Charge SK Verma and Mahsi Outpost In-Charge Shivkumar were suspended for negligence.
The Procession and Subsequent Incidents
The immersion procession, which had started from Rehua Mansoor village, 8 kilometers away, passed through the Maharajganj market. The combination of loud DJ music and the controversy surrounding the religious flags sparked the communal violence. More than 500 rioters set fire to several Muslim homes, with 10 houses being torched in Kabirhan Purwa village alone.
Police Deployment in Affected Areas
District Magistrate Monika Rani reported that the situation is now under control. Police have been deployed in sensitive areas, and administrative officers are closely monitoring the situation. Efforts are being made to assist the families who suffered losses in the violence.
Damage Assessment
The violence caused significant damage, primarily to the Muslim community. Several homes were set ablaze, with losses estimated to exceed ₹50 lakh. Imran Ahmed from Kabirhan Purwa reported that his Bolero, two motorcycles, and two tractors were all set on fire, resulting in massive financial losses for his family.
The violence in Bahraich began over the hoisting of a religious flag during the Durga idol immersion, but it quickly escalated into widespread communal unrest. This tragic event has shattered the lives of numerous families, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in both the town and surrounding villages. While authorities are doing their best to restore order, the incident has once again exposed the fragility of communal harmony in the region.
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