The police have registered 11 FIRs and arrested 50 individuals in connection with the riots
Team Clarion
BAHRAICH — The district of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh remains tense after the recent violent communal clashes, with fear gripping the minority community. Despite increased security measures, including the continuing internet shutdown. the situation remains fragile. Authorities have taken strict action against police personnel for their alleged negligence in handling the situation, while multiple cases have been registered and arrests made in connection with the violence.
In response to the violence that erupted in the Mehsi Tehsil of Bahraich District, four police officers, including Circle Officer Rupinder Gorko, have been suspended. The state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar held a video conference with senior officers, demanding a detailed report on the failure of local police to control the unrest. Additionally, Ravi Khokhar, previously posted in Rampur, has been appointed as the new circle officer in place of Rupinder Gorko.
The violence, which began during a religious procession in Maharajganj, escalated after a group of individuals removed a green flag from a building and replaced it with a saffron flag while playing provocative songs on a DJ system. This triggered a communal flare-up, leading to widespread clashes and arson.
So far, the police have registered 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 50 individuals in connection with the riots. A case has also been lodged against 1,000 unidentified people for their alleged involvement in the violence. The police are actively pursuing Abdul Hameed, a key suspect in the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra. Hameed, along with his two sons, is currently on the run, with police suspecting that they may have fled to Nepal. The Special Task Force (STF) has been assigned to track them down.
To maintain control over the situation, police patrols have been intensified across Bahraich, and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the district. Despite these efforts, the fear of unilateral arrests continues to loom over the minority community, adding to the tension. The internet ban, which was imposed to curb the spread of inflammatory content and misinformation, remains in place, further isolating the affected areas from the outside world.
According to senior police officials, peace has been restored in some areas, but the overall atmosphere remains tense. DGP Prashant Kumar reassured the public that life is expected to return to normal in the coming days, but for now, the internet shutdown will continue as a precautionary measure.
The violence in Bahraich has prompted high-level intervention, with officials including Additional Director General (ADG) Amitabh Yash and the Home Secretary camping in the district to oversee the situation. The DGP has stressed the importance of the police taking preventive steps to ensure that festivals are celebrated peacefully. During the video conference, Kumar also sought reports from officers posted in Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Koshambi, where attempts to incite communal tension had been reported in recent days.
In addition to these measures, the DGP directed senior officers to engage with local religious leaders to plan the routes of future processions. Strict action has been ordered against anyone playing obscene or provocative songs during religious events.
As investigations continue, the authorities have promised further action against those responsible for the violence and any negligent police officers involved.
