Lucknow: In a significant breakthrough, police in Bahraich district arrested six individuals, including the alleged mastermind, Shakeel Ahmed, on Sunday in connection with recent communal violence that claimed the life of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra. The violence erupted on October 13 during the immersion of a Durga idol in Maharajganj town, leading to widespread arson and unrest. Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla confirmed that the primary suspect, Shakeel Ahmed, and five accomplices were taken into custody and remanded to judicial custody.
During the investigation, Shakeel Ahmed (52) was identified as the chief architect of the unrest, while his brothers Mohammad Irfan (29) and Farhan Raza (24), along with Haseeb (33), Tausif (25), and Noorani (28), were found to be complicit in disturbing communal harmony. Police also named three additional suspects, Saif Ali, Javed, and Shoaib, who remain at large. Authorities have rewarded Rs 10,000 for information leading to their capture.
Two separate cases have been registered at the Hardi police station against the suspects, with charges including rioting, murder, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, as well as violations of the Arms Act.
According to sources within the police department, Ahmed had allegedly planned to disrupt the religious procession and did not hesitate to escalate violence, reportedly prepared to kill if necessary. The violence led to the death of Mishra, a Rehua Mansoor village resident, who was shot during the procession. In the ensuing turmoil, properties, including shops, homes, and even hospitals, were vandalized and set ablaze, affecting the towns of Mahsi, Maharajganj, and Bahraich.
To assist in the investigation, authorities have established a specialized control room, enlisting IT experts to analyze over 1,000 video recordings of the incidents. The investigation remains active, and a heightened police presence continues across the district to maintain order. With these arrests, the total number of individuals detained in connection to the violence has reached 121.
The Bahraich community has been urged to remain calm, with officials emphasizing that all necessary precautions are in place to prevent further unrest.
