One killed, several injured in communal clash during Durga idol immersion in UP

One person was killed and at least four others injured in a communal clash during a Durga idol immersion procession in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district on Sunday. The violence broke out in the Mahsi tehsil, under the jurisdiction of the Hardi police station, after miscreants hurled stones and fired gunshots at the procession. The microphone used in the event was also reportedly disconnected.

A 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra, succumbed to a gunshot wound. The altercation is believed to have started when members of a minority community objected to the music being played during the procession. A video circulated on social media purportedly showed Mishra removing a green flag from a building and replacing it with a saffron flag during the event, which may have heightened tensions.

Following Mishra's death, protests erupted outside the district hospital, with demonstrators refusing to perform last rites until action was taken against those responsible for the violence. Several shops and vehicles were set ablaze, and protestors demanded the arrest of the culprits. In response, local authorities were urged to identify the rioters and take strict measures to restore order.

The incident has prompted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath to instruct authorities to take strong action against those involved. The state administration is coordinating with religious organisations to ensure the continuation of the idol immersion process while maintaining law and order.