Bahraich Violence: Internet Services Suspended, ADG Law & Order Amitabh Yash Seen Chasing Rioters with Pistol in Viral Video

Amid ongoing tensions in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, internet services have been suspended until further notice. The unrest began on Sunday after a 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra, was killed by gunfire during a violent clash that erupted over loud music being played during a Durga idol immersion procession in Mansoor village. The situation has remained tense, though it is currently under control.

 

Government and Police Response

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been briefed on the situation by the Director General of Police (DGP) and has called for updates on the developments. In response, Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash arrived at the scene. A video of Amitabh Yash wielding a pistol and dispersing rioters has also surfaced online, drawing significant attention.

Who Was Ram Gopal Mishra?

Ram Gopal Mishra, a 22-year-old resident of Mansoor village in Bahraich, lost his life during the communal clash. The violence erupted as the Durga idol immersion procession was passing through Maharajganj market. According to reports, a dispute over loud music escalated into stone-pelting and gunfire, leading to Mishra’s death. Several others were also injured during the violence.

Initially, Mishra’s family refused to cremate his body, demanding justice and a meeting with the Chief Minister. However, after police intervention, the family eventually agreed to conduct the funeral.

How the Violence Escalated

According to Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla, the violence broke out as the procession passed through a predominantly Muslim area. Both sides clashed after provocative slogans were raised, and tensions quickly escalated into stone-pelting. During the clash, shots were fired, allegedly from the shop of a man named Salman. A case has been registered against Salman, whose shop is suspected to be the source of the fatal gunshot.

Annual Procession Route Questioned

Local residents mentioned that the Durga idol immersion procession follows the same route every year, and there had never been any violence before. This year, however, the violence reportedly started after offensive slogans were chanted over the loudspeakers. Allegedly, the deceased, Ram Gopal Mishra, had also removed a green flag and replaced it with a saffron flag, which further intensified tensions.

During the stone-pelting, shots were fired from the opposing side, hitting Ram Gopal, who later succumbed to his injuries. Several others were also reportedly shot, though police have yet to confirm the exact number of injured.

Aftermath of the Violence

Police have detained 30 people in connection with the violence. Ten houses belonging to a particular community in Kabadiya Tola, Maharajganj, were set on fire following the clash. The situation in the area remains fragile, with a heavy police presence ensuring order.

Ram Gopal's Family Demands Justice

Ram Gopal Mishra’s family, which consists of his parents and an elder brother, is devastated by the loss. He was the youngest son of the family and had been married just two months ago. The family, already in poor financial condition, is demanding justice and has called for an encounter of the accused. Local MLA Sureshwar Singh has assured the family that they will meet with the Chief Minister and that the guilty will be punished. Following this assurance, the family agreed to perform the last rites.