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The peaceful celebration of Durga Puja in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district took a tragic turn on October 13, 2024, when clashes erupted between two groups over the playing of music during a procession. The incident resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra, and several others being injured. The violence, which stemmed from a seemingly minor dispute, quickly escalated, forcing authorities to impose an internet shutdown in the Mahsi sub-division and deploy police forces to restore order.
The immediate trigger for the clashes was the throwing of stones and the firing of gunshots at the Durga idol immersion procession as it passed through Mahsi. Mishra, who was part of the procession, sustained gunshot injuries and succumbed to his wounds at a nearby hospital. The violence did not end there. Incensed by the death of their loved one, Mishra's family members refused to perform his last rites until the accused were apprehended. The body was then taken to the Mahsi sub-division office, where locals gathered, demanding justice. The anger and frustration manifested in acts of vandalism, with a bike showroom being targeted.
The incident has raised concerns about communal tensions in the region, with many pointing fingers at the role of inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation in inciting violence. In response to the tragic events, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for swift action against those responsible for the unrest. He condemned the violence, assuring the safety of all citizens while vowing to identify and punish the rioters. The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to facilitate the peaceful completion of the Durga idol immersion ceremonies.
While the immediate situation appears to be under control, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for greater efforts to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance. The police have detained at least 30 individuals in connection with the clashes, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend all those involved in the violence. The incident underscores the importance of addressing underlying social and economic grievances that can fuel communal tensions.
Source: Hundreds protest after 1 killed during Bahraich clashes, internet suspended