A massive violence broke out in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh during the funeral procession of a deceased 22-year-old man, who was shot dead in the communal violence during an idol immersion procession on Sunday evening. The crowd torched a private hospital and several other properties leading to the internet shutdown in the region. Earlier, the violence triggered in Mahsi Maharajganj market over disagreement on the loud music during the immersion procession. The victim, Ram Gopal Verma, was with the group when the violence broke out. He was rushed to the hospital following being shot, where he was declared dead. Police claimed that stones were thrown at the procession and someone fired the shot, killing Mishra.
A case has been registered against a person named Salman, who allegedly opened the fire at the crowd. Superintendent of Police (SP), Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, said, "Gunshots were fired from his house, which also functions as a shop. Identities of those involved in the incident are being ascertained, and some suspects have been detained." She further said that two police officers have been suspended and 25-30 people have been detained in the case. She claimed that the administration is trying to restore peace in the region at all costs. She also warned the "anti-social" elements by stating that no one found guilty will be spared and strict actions would be taken.
For precautionary measures, all the schools in the region were ordered to remain shut on Monday by the officials. Earlier, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath claimed that a strict action will be taken against the people who tried to break the social harmony. He further instructed the administration to get in touch with the religious organisations. He has also sought a detailed report from the officials.
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Ajay Rai, president of Congress in Uttar Pradesh, criticised the government for the violence. He claimed that the law and order in the state have collapsed. He said, "There is jungle raj in the entire state. Shots were fired there (in Bahraich), and the government got the lathi charge done during the 481st Bharat Milap in Varanasi... The CM should resign and go back to the math."