Bahraich Erupts: Violent Clashes Over DJ at Durga Puja Leave One Dead, High Alert Across UP as CM Yogi Steps In
BAHRAICH, India — Tensions remain high in Bahraich following a violent clash between two groups, resulting in a fatality. Several districts across the region have been placed on high alert, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to meet with the family of the deceased victim.
State Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar has assured the public that the situation is now under control, and peace has been restored. In connection with the violent incident, four individuals have been named in an FIR, and a total of 10 suspects have been identified, with 30 people currently in custody. The DGP has urged the public not to believe in rumors and confirmed that CM Yogi is personally monitoring the situation.
Also read : Bahraich Violence: 22-Year-Old Man Killed in Communal Clash Over Durga Procession, Several Injured
High Alert and Heavy Police Deployment
Following the clashes, a heavy police force has been deployed in the violence-hit areas, and authorities are maintaining a strict watch over every corner. The violence, which erupted on Sunday in Mahsi tehsil of Bahraich, around 125 kilometers from Lucknow, left one person dead after being shot during a scuffle between the groups.
The situation has since been tense, with authorities urging calm while gradually returning to normalcy. CM Yogi Adityanath is expected to meet the victim’s family today, while nearby districts remain on high alert to prevent any further escalation.
Violent Aftermath and Police Response
The unrest began on Sunday evening during a Durga Puja procession in Maharajganj. Reports suggest that a dispute broke out when the procession, accompanied by a DJ, passed through an area belonging to a different community. Allegations surfaced that one side demanded the DJ be turned off, which quickly led to heated arguments, stone pelting, and eventually gunfire, resulting in the death of a young man, Ramgopal Mishra.
Videos of the event later circulated online, one of which showed the deceased climbing onto a roof and pulling down a religious flag, inciting the crowd. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to widespread vandalism, arson, and clashes that affected homes and businesses in the area.
Crowd Gathers, Violence Escalates
On Monday, during the victim’s funeral, thousands gathered, wielding sticks and rods, further escalating the tension. The police were unable to control the growing crowd, and violence spread throughout the region. The rioting crowd targeted the homes and shops of members of a specific community, resulting in widespread destruction and arson, including attacks on a hospital and motorcycle showroom.
Senior officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, were dispatched to the scene, but the situation remained volatile.
High-Level Intervention
To bring the situation under control, Additional Director General (ADG) Amitabh Yash arrived on-site, personally leading the efforts to disperse the rioters. Tear gas was deployed, and the police evacuated women and children from the affected areas. By late evening, the situation had been stabilized, but tensions remained high.
Investigation and Arrests
Authorities have filed FIRs against 10 named individuals and are investigating dozens more who participated in the violence. DGP Prashant Kumar confirmed that 30 individuals have been taken into custody, and further arrests will be made as police review video footage from the incident.
The state government is committed to restoring peace in the area and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
