UP: Communal Tension In Bahraich As Hindu Man Killed During Durga Idol Immersion, Yogi Adityanath Warns Perpetrators

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to those creating anarchy after a 22-year-old Hindu man was shot dead during Goddess Durga's immersion procession in Bahraich.

"Those who spoil the atmosphere in Mahsi of Bahraich district will not be spared," Adityanath said as the incident took place when the procession was passing through Mahrajganj Bazar in Mansoor village of Mahsi tehsil.

"Safety is guaranteed to all, but instructions have been given to identify the rioters and those whose negligence led to the incident and take strict action against them," the UP CM added.

The communal clash erupted over allegedly loud music during the procession as the Muslim community objected to it. More than half a dozen were injured in stone pelting. A bullet hit Ram Gopal Mishra, who was walking in the procession.

After the gunshot, Mishra was taken to a hospital but later died during treatment. He was a resident of Rehua Mansoor village. Tensions escalated in the tehsil after his killing and the processions were halted.

However, Adityanath directed the continuation of the immersion of idols. Action was also taken against responsible police officers for their alleged negligence as a couple of them were suspended.

"Administration and police officials have been directed to be present on the spot and communicate with religious organisations to ensure that the immersion of idols is done on time," he said on X.

Hardi Police Station chief S K Verma and Mahsi outpost in-charge Shiv Kumar were suspended. ADG Gorakhpur zone KS Pratap Kumar and DIG Devipattan, Amarendra Pratap Singh were dispatched to the incident site.

Outraging over Mishra's killing, local villagers vandalised vehicles and set them on fire in Maharajganj market. Bahraich SP Vrinda Shukla and divisional commissioner Shashi Bhushan Lal reached the spot.

A group assembled outside the district hospital, refusing to perform the last rites of the young man while calling for action to be taken against the accused. However, the source of the bullet that killed the man has not been traced yet.