A New India
Chapter 239 - 239: Riots and Arrest

The situation in Uttar Pradesh had spiraled out of control.

Reports of rioting, arson, and clashes with police flooded the Prime Minister's office in New Delhi.

The government had tried peaceful outreach community meetings, dialogues with religious leaders, and appeals for calm.

But extremist elements had hijacked the protests, spreading fear and misinformation.

Schools and government buildings were being torched, and the lawlessness threatened to spill over into other states.

Rohan paced the length of his office, the situation made him very worried.

He has worked very hard to make India reach where it is in 1955 but everytime something or other happens which make it worse.

The air was tense as his core team, Home Minister Menon, Neeraj, and DIG Mohan Trivedi waited for his instructions.

"This is no longer a protest," Rohan said finally, his voice cold and deliberate. "It's an assault on the very existence of this nation. Extremist leaders have turned this into a breeding ground for chaos. Enough is enough."

DIG Mohan Trivedi, a seasoned officer known for his no-nonsense approach, spoke first. "Prime Minister, we've identified the individuals and groups behind this unrest. These are not ordinary citizens; they're coordinated agitators. They've been inciting violence through mosques, community centers, and covert meetings. If we don't act decisively, this will escalate beyond our control."

Rohan stopped pacing and turned to him. "Do you have a list?"

"Yes, sir," Trivedi said, sliding a dossier across the table. "These are the names of extremist leaders actively inciting violence. They're hiding in plain sight, using religious rhetoric to inflame the public and justify their actions."

Rohan flipped through the dossier, his jaw tightening with every page.

The names were familiar clerics, political operatives, and individuals with known links to extremist organizations.

"Enough," Rohan said, closing the file with a sharp motion. "Neeraj, I want these people arrested immediately. No delay, no excuses. Send police teams to their homes, mosques, wherever they're hiding. Drag them out if necessary."

Neeraj hesitated. "Prime Minister, this will be a delicate operation. The optics...."

"I don't care about optics," Rohan interrupted, his voice rising for the first time. "This isn't about politics; this is about restoring law and order. These people have taken advantage of our leniency. It's time they learn that this government will not tolerate chaos."

By nightfall, the crackdown was in full swing. Uttar Pradesh police, supported by paramilitary forces, launched coordinated raids across multiple cities.

The targets were the masterminds behind the riots extremist clerics, local leaders, and known agitators.

In Lucknow, a team of officers surrounded the home of Maulana Akhtar, a fiery cleric who had been openly calling for violence against the state.

The streets were eerily silent as police vehicles blocked every exit.

When Akhtar refused to come out, the officers broke down the door.

He was dragged out in handcuffs like a dog shouting accusations of persecution, but the police remained unmoved.

Kanpur saw a similar scene.

A small factory doubling as a meeting point for agitators was raided.

Police found stacks of pamphlets inciting violence and detailed plans for further unrest.

The leaders were arrested on the spot, their protests drowned out by the sound of police radios crackling with orders.

In Varanasi, the crackdown was even more intense.

Known hotspots for extremist gatherings were stormed simultaneously.

Officers, armed with warrants and clear instructions, arrested over 50 individuals in one night.

The operations were swift and efficient, sending a clear message: the government was not backing down.

The immediate effect of the crackdown was visible.

The Muslim rioters who wanted chaos were aggressive before by the lack of decisive action earlier, suddenly found themselves leaderless.

Without the organized efforts of the extremists, the crowds began to disperse.

Fear of arrest and heavy police presence kept most indoors.

However, not all areas quieted down immediately.

In parts of Allahabad, small groups attempted to resist, throwing stones at advancing police units.

They were met with tear gas and baton charges.

Police arrested dozens on charges of rioting and arson.

That night, Rohan addressed the nation through All India Radio.

His voice was calm but it was very harsh.

"My fellow citizens, over the past two days, we have witnessed acts of violence and lawlessness that have no place in our democracy. Let me be clear: peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but what we have seen is not protest, it is chaos. It is the work of extremists who seek to divide us, to exploit fear for their own gain. This government will not stand by and allow such acts to threaten our nation.

"We have given every opportunity for dialogue, every chance for peace. But when violence erupts, when public property is destroyed, when innocent lives are endangered, the state must act. And we have acted."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"To those who believe they can disrupt our progress with violence, know this: you will face the full force of the law. To those who incite fear and hatred, your actions will not go unanswered. And to those who stand with peace and progress, I assure you, this government is on your side."

As the broadcast ended, Rohan returned to his office.

Neeraj, his secretary, waited by the door with another stack of reports.

"How many arrests?" Rohan asked as he sat down.

Neeraj glanced at the top sheet. "Over 300, sir, including most of the key agitators. Police operations are still ongoing in some areas."

Rohan nodded. "And the public response?"

"Mixed, sir. Many are relieved that the riots are being controlled, but there's criticism from some quarters about the severity of the crackdown."

Rohan leaned back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "They'll criticize no matter what we do. What matters is that the streets are safe, and the reforms can proceed."

Neeraj hesitated before speaking again. "Sir, the DIG is waiting outside for a follow-up briefing."

Rohan straightened, his expression hardening. "Send him in. We're not done yet."

As DIG Trivedi entered, Rohan met him with a sharp gaze. "Good work so far, but we're not stopping until every ringleader is behind bars. Leave no stone unturned. I want these extremists to understand that this country belongs to the people, not to those who spread fear and division."

Trivedi saluted. "Understood, Prime Minister. It will be done."

The crackdown continued into the early hours of the morning.

By dawn, the streets of Uttar Pradesh were quiet.

The heavy police presence, combined with the arrests of key leaders, had broken the back of the riots.

The message was clear: the government would not tolerate chaos, no matter the cost.

For Rohan, it was a hard-won victory, but one that left little room for celebration.

At the same time these riot by muslim Extremists has rung the bell of danger in his mind.

He knows how this religion will break India backbone in the future and he soon need a solution for them.

Unknowingly a dialogue came to his mind from his favourite movie "Shaurya" by Brigadier Pratap. (Open to Speculate what is this).