Bahraich: Tensions escalated in Bahraich following the tragic killing of Ram Gopal Mishra during a Durga idol immersion procession on October 13. A newly emerged video captures the moments leading up to Mishra’s death, showing him being struck multiple times before collapsing. The video has sparked further unrest in the region, with angry crowds reacting to the killing with arson and violent clashes.
According to police reports, Mishra was shot during the immersion procession after a dispute broke out over loud music. Witnesses at the scene stated that the victim, despite suffering visible injuries, attempted to walk before collapsing. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The incident has fueled communal tensions in Maharajganj town, leading to days of unrest.
In response to the violence, the Uttar Pradesh police have made significant progress in the investigation. As of Thursday, 55 individuals have been arrested in connection with 11 cases filed after the incident. Notably, five men have been arrested for their direct involvement in Mishra’s murder. The arrests followed a dramatic police encounter near the Nepal border, where the suspects, identified as Sarfaraz and four accomplices, were caught attempting to flee to the neighboring country.
Among the six key suspects in the murder, Danish, also known as Shaheer Khan, was apprehended earlier on Wednesday. With this, all individuals named in the murder case are now in police custody. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full scope of the violence and the motive behind the attack.
In the wake of the incident, internet services in Bahraich had been suspended for three days to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain order. Connectivity was restored at midnight on Wednesday, bringing relief to residents who had been cut off from mobile and broadband services since the clashes began on Sunday.
The initial dispute, sparked by a disagreement over loud music during the Durga idol procession, quickly escalated into violence, with both sides suffering casualties and damage to property. Police have maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent further unrest and ensure that justice is served.
The tragic death of Ram Gopal Mishra has reignited concerns about communal tensions in the region, prompting calls for peace and dialogue between communities. Local leaders have urged calm and appealed for restraint as the investigation continues.
Authorities have assured that those responsible for the violence will be brought to justice, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the district.
