Bahraich: Muslim residents in Maharajganj, Mahsi, are facing fear and frustration following reports of alleged selective arrests by the police in the aftermath of communal violence. Despite multiple incidents of arson, vandalism, and provocation targeting Muslim neighbourhoods, no action has been taken against the actual miscreants. Instead, the police appear to be carrying out one-sided arrests, leaving the local Muslim community in distress.
On Monday night, miscreants once again tried to incite violence by vandalizing Muslim homes and attempting arson, but additional police forces intervened and dispersed them. Late into the night, miscreants also attacked a religious site in Nikua village, damaging it and attempting to set it on fire. Though police arrived on time to prevent further damage, arsonists still managed to ignite fires later that night, causing significant destruction. According to the village head, the attackers raised provocative slogans and set some huts ablaze before fleeing the scene when police arrived.
Meanwhile, curfew-like conditions remain in effect, with residents given only an hour to purchase essential supplies. Security has been tightened under the command of ADG and STF Chief Amitabh Yash, with STF teams deployed to maintain order. Local sources revealed that more than 50 houses, mostly belonging to Muslims, were vandalized or set on fire, with many of these homes now standing empty. Police patrols have increased within a 20-kilometer radius of Hardi and Mahsi, but the alleged selective targeting of Muslims continues to overshadow hopes for justice and peace.
In a related development, the family of Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed during the violence, met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. The Chief Minister assured them of full support. Mishra was the same individual who forcibly removed a green flag from a Muslim family’s house and replaced it with a saffron flag, during which he was fatally shot.
