Muslims attack Shri Durgadevi’s Idol during an immersion procession in Bahraich (UP)
Bahraich (UP) – While passing through Maharajganj market area in Rehuwa Mansoor, a Muslim-majority village, a clash broke out during the immersion of Shri Durgadevi’s Idol, after Muslims objected to DJ music played in the procession. One person was shot dead during the violence while several others were injured from the stone pelting. The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Ram Gopal, who was part of the Idol immersion group.
The religious fanatic Muslims dragged Ram Gopal inside a house, ripped out his nails, shot him in the head, and stabbed him, leading to his immediate death. Rajan, a young man who attempted to save Ram Gopal, was also seriously injured.
Amid the mayhem caused by the stone pelting, some miscreants opened fire. In retaliation, enraged Hindus vandalised houses and vehicles in the Maharajganj Bazaar area, and set them on fire.
Will not perform last rites until action is taken against the accused : Hindus warn
Hindus announced that they would not cremate Ram Gopal Mishra’s body until action is taken against his killers. A protest is ongoing outside the District hospital. Ram Gopal’s sister said they would not perform the last rites until the culprits were hanged and buried.
An autopsy confirmed that Ram Gopal had been shot and stabbed. On the morning of 14th October, when his body was brought home, a crowd of 5 to 6 thousand Hindus gathered. A funeral procession covering about 5 km was held, during which several places were set on fire by enraged Hindus.
Action must be taken against the Police who remained silent
Vaibhav Mishra, Ram Gopal’s brother, demanded action against the Police, saying – “We were carrying the Idol when suddenly stones started being thrown from Abdul Hamid’s house. The Police were present but took no action. My elder brother tried to stop those throwing stones, but instead of stopping them, the Police pushed the Hindus back and even lathi-charged us. We demand action against the Police”.
The crowd became furious after
the Police lathi-charged : Claims SP
Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla said that the violent incident unfolded after a member of the Hindu community was fatally shot during an argument. She stated, “Today, when a procession was passing by a mosque through a Muslim area in the Maharajganj area, the Hindu and Muslim communities argued over some issue. During the argument, some individuals started creating chaos. One member of the Hindu community was shot and later died. Following his death, tension erupted in the region, and the Visarjan ceremony was halted at several locations. Some miscreants took advantage of the situation and tried to create further chaos. The Police swiftly swung into action and controlled the situation. Additional Police personnel were deployed at all Visarjan processions. (Instead of lathi-charging the stone-pelters, the Police lathi-charged the Hindus, the reason for which must be investigated. – Editor).
Will not spare those responsible for violence : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken serious note of the incident and warned that the perpetrators of violence will not be spared. He also assured that strict action will be taken against the Police and administrative officers found guilty of negligence in this case.
Two Police officers have been suspended for negligence in handling the situation.
Editors Perspectives
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