Man booked, 30 detained after communal violence during Durga idol immersion in UP

Police have booked a man and detained around 30 people in connection with the communal violence that erupted in a village in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the death of a 22-year-old, officials said on Monday. The clash occurred on Sunday in the Mahrajganj area of Mansoor village during a Durga idol immersion procession. The altercation escalated into stone-pelting and firing, leaving around half a dozen people injured.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla said that 25-30 people have been detained, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected areas. "All anarchist elements will be identified, and stringent action will be taken," she added. An adequate police force has been deployed to maintain order.

A case has been registered against a man named Salman, whose house, also functioning as a shop, was reportedly the source of gunfire during the incident. Identities of other individuals involved in the violence are being verified, and several suspects have been detained. The violence was reportedly triggered by a dispute over loud music being played from speakers as the procession passed through the area. Ram Gopal Mishra, a participant in the procession, was fatally shot during the clash. He was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment, according to his family.

Following the incident, communal tension gripped the area, leading to the cancellation of similar processions in Fakharpur town and other locations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the violence and directed local authorities to ensure timely and peaceful completion of the idol immersions. He also instructed police to strengthen security at immersion sites to prevent further incidents.