An international report has documented incidents of religious violence in Bahraich's Maharaj Ganj area of Uttar Pradesh, where multiple properties were damaged and residents were forced to flee their homes.
According to the report, mob violence resulted in extensive property damage, including homes, shops, and places of worship in the area. Witnesses reported the use of petrol bombs against residential buildings and the destruction of vehicles, alongside theft of valuables.
Local residents stated that police gave them limited time to evacuate the area. Several residents sought safety in nearby fields, though they reported being pursued even there. The report indicates that numerous houses were completely destroyed in the incident, leaving residents with only their worn clothes.
Witness testimonies collected in the report describe police presence during the events, with some residents claiming law enforcement personnel were present but did not intervene effectively. Property damage extended to religious sites and personal belongings, including grave sites.
The aftermath of the incident has drawn attention fom international observers, who have expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region. Human rights organizations have been called upon to investigate the incident.
The report highlights ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities across several Indian states, from Kashmir to Karnataka, regarding access to basic rights and protection. Cases of processions deliberately routed through minority-populated areas have been documented, often accompanied by provocative sloganeering.
