Lucknow : The investigation into the violent clashes that erupted during the Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has led to the arrest of 26 more accused individuals. On Friday, these accused were remanded to judicial custody as part of the ongoing crackdown on those involved in the unrest that took place on the nights of October 13-14. The police, intensifying their efforts, had earlier presented five key suspects Abdul Hameed, Rinku alias Sarfaraz, Faheem, Taleem, and Afzal before Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Pratibha Chaudhary at Judges Colony, Lucknow.
The CJM, in a swift move, remanded the accused to 14 days of judicial custody. With the latest arrests, the total number of people sent to jail in connection with the violence has risen to 31. These arrests signal the authorities’ determination to restore law and order following the communal tensions that marred the religious festival.
Detailed List of Accused in Bahraich Unrest
Among the 26 individuals arrested and jailed on Friday are:
- Altaf (son of Aslam)
- Anwar Hussain (son of Ansar Ahmad)
- Talib (son of Zahid)
- Nafees (son of Ramzan)
- Nausaad (son of Amin)
- Salam Babu (son of Munau)
- Ghulam Yash (son of Danish)
- Anwar Ashrat (son of Mohammed Tufail)
- Mohd. Zahid (son of Mohammed Ali)
- Shud Alam (son of Ghulam Sayyed)
…and others including Mohd Imran, Jishan Adil, Rizwan, Phulkan, and Shahzade, all hailing from Maharajganj. The accused are facing charges of inciting violence and disturbing communal harmony.
Government Action: PWD Issues Notices to Encroachers
In a parallel action, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued notices to 23 individuals, including the main accused Abdul Hameed, for illegal encroachments on government land. The department discovered that several houses had been constructed by encroaching on a public road. A notice has been put up, demanding the removal of structures built within 60 feet of the middle of a rural road within three days. Failure to comply may result in further legal action.
Tensions Run High: Communal Violence Spurs Crackdown in Bahraich
The violence in Bahraich during the Durga idol immersion procession has caused widespread concern, prompting the authorities to take swift and decisive action. The arrests come as part of a broader effort to quell unrest and prevent further flare-ups between communities. As the investigation progresses, more arrests are expected, and the government is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure peace is maintained in the region.
With the involvement of both law enforcement and government agencies like the PWD, authorities are sending a strong message that communal violence and illegal activities will not be tolerated. The focus now remains on addressing the root causes of the clashes and ensuring justice is served.
