A 22-year-old man was fatally shot during a communal clash in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, sparked by a dispute over music played during a Durga idol immersion procession. The incident occurred as the procession passed through Mahrajganj Bazar in Mansoor village.
The victim, identified as Ram Gopal Mishra, was shot while walking with the group. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, according to family members.
The situation quickly escalated, leading to violent clashes, with stone-pelting and firing injuring several others. Outraged villagers set fire to two-wheelers and vandalized vehicles in Maharajganj market. The unrest prompted authorities to suspend similar processions in nearby areas, including Fakharpur.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the violence, stating that those responsible would face strict action. He instructed the police to ensure that idol immersions continue on schedule and ordered an increase in manpower at immersion sites.
In response to the incident, Hardi Police Station chief SK Verma and Mahsi outpost in-charge Shiv Kumar were suspended for negligence. A heavy police presence, including senior officers and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces, has been deployed to the area to restore order.
Sporadic incidents of arson were reported in neighboring districts, including Gonda and Balrampur, as authorities work to control the situation.