One dies in clash between Hindu devotees in idol procession and minority community in UP

LUCKNOW: Communal tension gripped Mahasi municipality in central Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district as a person died during a clash between Hindu devotees in a procession and some people from a minority community on Sunday.

The incident sparked huge protests and unrest in the area. According to local sources, the incident resulted from an altercation between members of the two communities when they came face to face over DJ music.

Hindu devotees were heading for the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga in Mahsi Maharajganj area under Hardi police station in Bahraich. The clash broke out when members of the minority community objected to the music played in the procession taking the idol for immersion. This led to a huge altercation between the two groups. Members of the minority community first resorted to stone-pelting, followed by shooting.

The deceased was identified as Ramgopal Mishra (22) of Rahua Mansoor village. Mishra succumbed during treatment at the Medical College. Sources said the deceased had gotten married just four months ago. Another resident, Rajan (30), from the same village, also suffered a bullet injury. Many other people were also injured in the riots.

Taking cognizance of the violence, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the district authorities to identify the elements that corrupted the festive atmosphere and take stricter action against them.

The chief minister also directed Bahraich district and police administration to continue immersion of idols of Goddess Durga without any hindrance. He asked the concerned authorities to hold talks with religious organizations and ensure timely immersion of idols. Yogi also asked district authorities to identify those whose lackadaisical approach led to communal conflict in Bahraich.