After a four-day suspension, internet services in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, have been restored. Authorities continue working to return the region to normalcy, especially in Maharajganj, the epicentre of communal violence, where a young man lost his life during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday. The local administration is emphasizing peace and unity as the situation stabilizes.
Police Warn Against Misinformation and Urge for Communal Harmony
The police have issued a strong warning against the spread of false information, urging residents to focus on maintaining communal harmony during this tense time. Additional Superintendent of Police Pavitra Mohan Tripathi, in a public video message, dispelled several rumours circulating on social media about the victim’s death. He clarified that there were no signs of torture, such as electrocution, sword attacks, or nails being pulled out.
According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was confirmed to be from gunshot wounds, and no other fatalities occurred in the incident. Tripathi urged the public to ignore any misleading reports and refrain from sharing unverified information that could inflame tensions further.
Background of the Violence in Maharajganj
The violence erupted on Sunday in Maharajganj, a town under Mahsi tehsil, reportedly due to the playing of loud music near a place of worship during the Durga Puja procession. During this clash, 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was fatally shot. The incident quickly escalated, resulting in widespread vandalism and arson. Several houses, shops, hospitals, and vehicles were set on fire by angry mobs, further deepening the chaos.
In response, police registered multiple FIRs against both unknown rioters and some named individuals believed to have instigated the violence. Over 55 suspects have been detained, and a significant security presence has been deployed throughout the town, which has a mixed-religious population. The situation was further intensified by the controversial song “Chahe Jitna Jor Laga Lo, Aayenge Phir Yogi Ji,” which was being played during the procession.
The Impact of the Internet Shutdown on Local Businesses
With the restoration of internet services, the local economy is beginning to recover. The shutdown had a significant impact on businesses, particularly those that rely on online transactions. Mandal Deepak Soni, President of UP Udyog Vyapar Mandal in Bahraich, remarked that internet services are as vital for business today as basic necessities like air, water, and light. Many small businesses, such as vegetable vendors and rickshaw drivers, rely on online payments. Soni highlighted that the internet blackout severely disrupted businesses, causing losses worth millions of rupees.
A local fruit vendor named Ejaz shared how his sales had come to a standstill since October 14. “People didn’t have money due to the internet shutdown, and many asked to pay once services resumed. A lot of my stock went to waste, but today, I’m setting up my stall again,” he said, reflecting the struggles of small vendors who depend on daily income.
Markets Slowly Reopening, But Tensions Persist
While the majority of the markets in Bahraich have reopened since Wednesday, Maharajganj remains an exception, with only a few shops operating as of Thursday morning. However, police expect more shops to open soon. According to Hardi police station’s SHO Kamal Shankar Chaturvedi, a peace committee met on Wednesday and urged business owners in Maharajganj to resume operations, which is expected to happen gradually.
Despite efforts to restore normalcy, tensions are still high in some areas. Police continue their search for the main suspects in the violence, conducting raids in the villages of Chandpara and Nakwa, though no additional arrests have been made yet. The family of the deceased, Ram Gopal Mishra, filed a formal complaint against six known individuals and four unknown suspects, but only one arrest has been made so far.
Religious Leaders Call for Peace and Unity
In the wake of the violence, leaders from both the Hindu and Muslim communities have stepped forward to promote peace. Prominent figures such as Mahamandaleshwar Swami Ravi Giri Maharaj, President of the Ram Leela Committee Shyamkaran Tekariwal, and Maulana Qari Zubair Ahmad Kasmi have made public appeals for the restoration of harmony. These leaders emphasized the importance of solidarity and urged their communities to focus on rebuilding trust and maintaining peace.
The situation in Bahraich remains sensitive, but local authorities are working hard to prevent further unrest and ensure the safety of all residents as they continue to monitor the area.
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