Protests and Scuffles Erupt During Muharram Processions in Uttar Pradesh, Leading to Detentions and Injuries

In Uttar Pradesh, incidents related to Muharram processions led to detentions and an injury on Sunday, according to police reports. A confrontation occurred in Bahraich when locals accused officers of disrespecting Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, traders in Bareilly protested after a platform for a Muharram procession was allegedly damaged.

In Kushinagar, tensions rose when an Islamic flag was reportedly raised and slogans were chanted near a Shiva temple during a Muharram procession. Police noted that a video of the incident circulated on social media, intensifying the situation. The event took place near Gulharia in the Khadda police station area, leading to the detention of some youths, as confirmed by Khadda Station House Officer Harshvardhan Singh.

Police Response and Detentions

In Tekuatar Bazaar, a disagreement over DJ music escalated into a clash between two groups, resulting in an injury to an eight-year-old named Iklakh. He is currently receiving medical care. Ramkola SHO Anand Gupta stated that the police have managed to control the situation and detained several individuals involved.

Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Mishra assured that law enforcement has been deployed at both locations to maintain order. Despite being minor disputes, adequate forces are stationed to ensure peace in Kushinagar.

Allegations and Protests

A dispute also erupted in Bahraich's Nanpara Kotwali area when participants in the Muharram procession accused a policeman of hitting a poster of Shia leader Khamenei with a stick and removing it. They claimed he labelled Khamenei and those at the procession as terrorists. The procession paused briefly but resumed after officials intervened and promised action.

A video surfaced online showing people demanding the suspension of the officer involved. "My leader, Khamenei sahab, was called a terrorist. Are these terrorists?" a youth questioned in the clip. Police officials later stated that the issue had been resolved and the procession continued peacefully.

Tensions in Bareilly

In Bareilly, tensions escalated after a platform near where the taziya was to be placed was allegedly vandalised. Traders closed their shops and protested on the streets. Police arrived to calm the situation and registered a case against those responsible.

Traders insisted on arrests before allowing taziyas to be moved. Senior officials assured them of action and arrests. Additional SP North Anshika Verma reported that two women and three others were detained following these assurances, which pacified the traders.

The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday night in Faridpur's Mohalla Sahukara, where miscreants allegedly damaged the platform and attempted to break a shop shutter where the taziya was to be placed. Traders reviewed CCTV footage of the alleged vandalism, escalating tensions further on Sunday morning. Taziyas were only moved after senior officials promised action.

With inputs from PTI