Strict action will be ensured: Uttar Pradesh deputy CM Brajesh Pathak on Bahraich incident

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced on Tuesday that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the Bahraich incident and assured strict action against those involved.

"The situation is under control. Instructions have been given for a high-level inquiry into the incident...Strict action will be ensured. We are with the family of the victim," Brajesh Pathak told ANI.

The clash in the Mahasi area of Bahraich district occurred during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to several others.

Earlier today, Priti, the sister of Ramgopal Mishra, a victim of the violence, demanded the death penalty for the culprits and the demolition of their houses.

she said, "I want the culprits to be punished. He (deceased) was hit by 15 bullets. I want the culprits to be hanged till death and their houses should be demolished."

Ramgopal Mishra's relative, Pramod Kumar, blamed the police for his death, demanding punishment for the culprits and compensation for Mishra's wife. "This incident happened due to the negligence of police.

If we had got protection from the police then this wouldn't have happened...We demand that the culprits should be punished and relevant ex gratia to be given to the wife of Ramgopal Mishra,".

According to the police, the argument between the two groups occurred when the procession passed through a Muslim area. Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla stated, "In Mahasi's Maharajganj area, a procession was passing by a Masjid through a Muslim area.

The groups argued on some issues. A person from the Hindu community died after bullets were fired at him, and thereafter a tense situation arose."

Following the clashes, police conducted a route march in the Mahasi Maharajganj area.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the situation, emphasizing that those responsible for disrupting peace in Bahraich will face consequences.

"Those who spoil the atmosphere in Mahsi of Bahraich district will not be spared. Safety is guaranteed to all, but instructions have been given to identify the rioters and those whose negligence led to the incident and take strict action against them.

Immersion of idols will continue. Administration and police officials have been directed to be present on the spot and communicate with religious organizations to ensure that the immersion of idols is done on time," CM Yogi said on X.

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