The recent violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has brought growing communal tensions to the forefront. Shopkeepers in the region vacated their shops on Saturday and salvaged their goods as a demolition drive by the authorities was imminent.
A local lawmaker, as per a PTI report, said that the Public Works Department has issued notices to 23 establishments, 20 of them belonging to Muslims, to vacate the property.
This move follows recent communal violence erupted after a local man was shot dead during Durga Puja processions last week.
What resulted in violence in Bahraich on October 13?
On October 13, the last day of Durga Puja festivities, a communal dispute erupted in the Maharajganj area when some people objected to loud music being played in front of a religious institution. The flare-up resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man Ram Gopal Mishra.
A video surfaced in which Mishra was seen replacing a green flag on a rooftop with a saffron one. He was shot dead shortly afterward and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
His death triggered widespread violence leading to the destruction of properties, stone-pelting, and arson.
Bahraich experienced several days of unrest following the day of violence prompting authorities to suspend internet services for four days to curb the spread of misinformation.
On October 14, a car showroom was set ablaze, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take immediate action. He ordered police to address lawlessness strictly and met with Mishra’s family to assure them of swift justice.
PWD serves notices of demolition drive to 23 properties
On Saturday, shopkeepers in Bahraich rushed to protect their goods as they feared a demolition drive from the PWD. Notices were served to 23 establishments—20 of which belong to Muslims, according to local BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh. He said that while the action was aimed at illegal constructions, the community felt the brunt of the enforcement disproportionately.
"People are vacating their shops. Those who don't will be dealt with by the administration." The notices have instilled a sense of urgency among shopkeepers, many of whom claim they are being selectively targeted,” Singh said.
"In all, there are around 50 shops. Barring one or two, most of them on the Mahrajganj bypass may face action," he said asserting that no one will be spared whatever maybe their religion.
Community response and claims of discrimination
PTI reported that locals expressed frustration and claimed discrimination regarding the demolition notice. Sonu Maurya, an eatery owner, expressed frustration over the abrupt demands to vacate. "I have a shop in Bhagwanpur, eight kilometers away from Maharajganj. The landlord told me that a notice of encroachment had been put on his construction and if a demolition took place, I would suffer losses," Maurya said.
Others, like Samiullah and Rani Jaiswal, claimed that the demolition efforts were politically motivated, disproportionately affecting the Muslim community.
PWD’s routine inspection and demolition drive
The PWD launched an inspection in the Mahrajganj area on Friday. It took measurements of 20-25 houses, including that of Abdul Hameed, one of the men accused of having a role in the killing of Ram Gopal Mishra on Sunday.
An official said that the inspection was a routine exercise conducted annually "to demolish houses built on the intersections, S curves or junction points of the road."
The notice on Abdul Hameed's house said that the construction was "illegal" since it was built within 60 feet of the central point of the road in rural areas, which is not allowed. The notice required him to vacate the construction within three days or it would be demolished. The notice further stated that if Hameed fails to vacate the house "the expenses incurred for this action (demolition) will be recovered from you through revenue means."
District Magistrate Monika Rani said "encroachments" were being removed to widen the roads in Mahrajganj.
87 suspects detained so far, police officers suspended
The police took swift action and arrested five suspects linked to Mishra's death following an encounter. Two suspects were injured in the exchange of fire while attempting to flee to Nepal. By Friday, the Uttar Pradesh Police had detained 87 individuals in connection with the rioting, with about 1,000 people booked across multiple FIRs.
In response to the violence, the government has taken decisive actions, including the suspension of several police officials, including a station house officer and a police outpost in charge.
UP Assembly leader of opposition restricted from entering Bahraich
Samajwadi Party leader and the leader of the opposition in the state assembly Mata Prasad Pandey was barred from entering Bahraich on Saturday through an advance notice by the collector with officials warning that his presence could exacerbate tensions.
"If something goes wrong, they will blame us. The organization has also given me the same advice and the DM has also asked me to come only after three days," Pandey expressed frustration at being stopped from addressing the concerns of his constituents.
