Prayagraj: Prayagraj witnessed a day of terror and lawlessness on Sunday as Bhim Army workers went on a violent rampage after their leader and MP Chandrashekhar Ravan was stopped by police from visiting Isohta village. This brazen display of hooliganism not only disrupted public life but also endangered countless innocent lives.
The chaos began when Chandrashekhar, who had arrived at the Circuit House in the afternoon, was prevented from proceeding to Isohta village by the police. The move was aimed at maintaining peace, as tensions were already high following the death of a local resident, Devi Shankar, who reportedly died of burn injuries on April 13. Despite administrative assurances of financial aid and land allotment to the victim’s family, Bhim Army leaders had recently accused authorities of neglect.
As soon as news of Chandrashekhar being stopped spread to Isohta, around 3,000 agitated Bhim Army supporters turned violent. From Hanumanpur Mori to Bhadeora Bazaar, they created widespread havoc, throwing all notions of peaceful protest to the wind. In a shocking display of mob fury, the workers pelted stones at police forces and innocent bystanders alike, damaging more than half a dozen buses, four police vehicles, and other private vehicles.
Local shopkeepers faced the brunt of the mob’s wrath as shops were vandalized and shopkeepers physically assaulted. Passersby, too, were not spared; their vehicles were stopped and destroyed. The lawless mob even resorted to manhandling the public, instilling fear throughout the area.
Police forces from multiple stations, along with Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel, rushed to the scene in an attempt to bring the situation under control. However, despite repeated warnings and appeals, Bhim Army workers continued their stone-pelting, showing utter disregard for law enforcement. The situation became so volatile that local villagers eventually joined forces with the police to repel the attackers.
The violent spree lasted for hours before the police, aided by additional reinforcements, finally managed to disperse the unruly crowd. Several Bhim Army workers were arrested during the crackdown.
The administration has assured strict action against those involved and vowed to restore peace in the region. Meanwhile, residents remain shaken by the day’s horrifying events and demand stringent punishment for the perpetrators who chose violence over dialogue.
