Trouble started when some youths sprayed colour on the people of another community in Bajardiha. The incident led to a clash and exchange of brickbats. The police faced the mob’s ire when it arrived and had to open fire.

An FIR has been registered against 400 unidentified people. The charges include damage to public property, attack on police and attempt to murder. Around 20 people have been arrested. The deceased youths have been identified as Moien Akhtar and Khaliqul Jama. “The condition of three of the injured is serious,” said Ashok Rai, a doctor at Laxmi Medical Hospital where the injured have been admitted.

Ashutosh Mishra, DSP (Bhelpur) said senior members of both communities have been asked to help maintain peace. Paramilitary forces have been deployed. “The situation is under control but tension prevails,” said Varanasi District Magistrate Ajay Upadhaya. While a magisterial inquiry has been ordered, DIG PC Meena has ordered a separate inquiry to identify those who threw colour. “Their faces were smeared with paint, but some have been identified,” he said.