Ganesh Kendale
BAHRAICH/LUCKNOW: Bahraich remained calm on Tuesday after communal clashes that began during a Durga idol’s immersion Sunday and claimed the life of a 22-year-old man. The UP district remained on the edge, though, with most shops and business establishments closed amid extensive flag marches by security personnel and the arrest of 52 people for arson.
Internet services, already suspended, will stay off till Wednesday, officials said as police barricades multiplied to prevent outsiders from entering the town.
The arrests followed lodging of five FIRs and raids to track down trouble-makers, police said. Some stray violent protests occurred in some parts of the district late Monday.
According to the SP, teams have formed to arrest the accused in the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra, who died from gunshot wounds during Sunday’s clashes that broke out when the Durga devotees were confronted by members of another community, demanding DJ music be stopped. Half-a-dozen others were injured in stone-pelting and firing. Violence had flared again Monday when Mishra’s last rites were performed.
Mishra’s wife Roli said, “There were knife marks on his neck. All nails from his feet were pulled out. His hands and stomach had multiple pellet wounds. He was killed like an animal.” Roli recalled that she had tried to stop her husband from joining the procession.
Mishra’s mother Munni Devi also alleged torture. “They riddled my son’s entire body with injuries. They hit him on the nose, neck and head,” Munni said.
In Lucknow, CM Yogi Adityanath met relatives of Mishra at his residence and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh, a house under PM Awas Yojana as well as some other benefits.
