Man in India Shot Dead After Planting Saffron Flag in Religious Clash

OCTOBER 14, 2024 — A man in India was shot dead during religious clashes after he was seen installing a saffron flag on a house, the Siasat Daily reports.

Ram Gopal Mishra, 22, was killed Sunday in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India. Four others were injured.

The violence erupted during the Processions for the immersion of idols of the Hindu goddess Durga. The clash reportedly started when some Muslims objected to the music being played near a mosque and residential area, according to Maktoob Media.

A viral video shows Mishra climbing onto a rooftop, removing a green flag—commonly associated with Islam—and replacing it with a saffron flag, a color closely linked to Hinduism. The house reportedly belonged to Muslims. Though the design of the flag Mishra planted is not immediately visible due to low resolution of the video, supporters on the street can be seen cheering Mishra and waving flags with the image of Durga.

Four others were injured in the violence. Police have detained at least 30 individuals, including a prime suspect connected to the shooting.

Image: X via Piyush Rai