Communal tension in UP’s Bahraich: Arson, loot target Muslim homes

The expected bulldozing action targeting the Muslim community in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, following the communal tension during the idol immersion on October 13, has been stayed for one day by the Supreme Court, with the UP government assuring the court that it will not proceed with any demolition actions until Wednesday.

The Public Works Department (PWD) served notices to 23 shopkeepers, 20 of whom are Muslims, including the one accused of killing a Hindu youth during the commotion, under the provisions of the Road Control Act, 1964, demanding that the shopkeepers vacate their premises within three days.

This decision came in response to a petition filed by the affected residents, who challenged the demolition orders following a series of violent incidents in Bahraich earlier this month. The petitioner’s plea highlighted the urgency of intervention to prevent irreparable harm, given that most of the demolition targets were Muslim-owned properties in Maharajganj village. The demolition notices followed an inspection by the PWD on Friday, shortly after communal clashes erupted in the area.

One of the shopkeepers who received an eviction notice, Abdul Hameed, a 62-year-old jeweller, was reportedly involved in the killing of a 22-year-old Hindu youth, Ram Gopal Mishra, during the violent disturbances. Mishra’s death, which occurred after he was allegedly shot while climbing atop a Muslim house and replacing an Islamic flag with a saffron one, triggered widespread riots. Over 100 people have been arrested in connection with the subsequent violence.

Mishra's death, following an altercation over the flag incident, set off a chain of violent reprisals. Mobs attacked Muslim properties, torching homes, shops, and vehicles, and even looting household items such as gas cylinders, grains, and livestock, according to several First Information Reports (FIRs) filed with the local police, as per The Wire report.

The violence spread across multiple villages and urban areas, with Maharajganj Bazar, Chandpara, and Mahasi block being among the worst affected. Local police confirmed that 14 FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, eight of which specifically address the arson and vandalism targeted at Muslim properties. The FIRs describe mobs armed with rods, sharp weapons, and flammable materials who indiscriminately attacked Muslim homes, shops, and vehicles.

Critics, including Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, have alleged that law enforcement agencies are unfairly targeting Muslims while turning a blind eye to the Hindu mobs responsible for much of the violence. The Bahraich police, in response, issued a statement defending their actions, asserting that cases had been registered against offenders from "both sides" of the conflict.

The police further stated that 14 cases had been filed, covering the entire spectrum of incidents, including the initial flare-up in the Muslim locality, Mishra’s killing, and the subsequent arson and looting of Muslim properties. A total of 104 arrests have been made so far, with ongoing investigations into the involvement of individuals from both religious communities.

However, many of the FIRs lodged against Muslim residents appear to have been filed by police officers themselves, often listing charges such as rioting and assault against unidentified individuals or large mobs. In contrast, some residents have questioned the police’s commitment to impartiality, citing a disproportionate focus on charging Muslims, while many of the Hindu perpetrators remain unidentified and unapprehended.

The Supreme Court's intervention comes against the backdrop of its September 17 order, which stayed all demolitions across the country unless explicitly permitted by the court. During Tuesday’s hearing, the apex court reiterated that demolitions could not be carried out simply because someone is an accused or convicted in a criminal case. This statement directly challenges the rationale behind the demolition notices, as many of the properties targeted belonged to Muslims involved in the communal clashes.

The court’s stay order has provided temporary relief to the 23 shopkeepers facing eviction. However, the situation in Bahraich remains tense, with communal fault lines deepening. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday when the state government is expected to provide further clarification on its intended course of action.