In recent events surrounding the violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, significant developments have unfolded following the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra during a Durga Puja procession. Two individuals accused of involvement in this tragic incident were shot during an encounter with police while allegedly attempting to flee to Nepal.
The encounter occurred near the Handa Basehri Canal, close to the international border. Police reported that Sarfaraz, also known as Rinku, and Taleem, both sons of Abdul Hameed—the main suspect in the violence—were injured during the confrontation. The two were shot in the legs and subsequently taken to a district hospital for treatment.
This encounter took place in the wake of violent clashes that erupted during the Durga Puja celebrations on October 13. The unrest began when two groups clashed over the playing of music during the idol immersion procession. This chaos led to stone-pelting and gunfire, resulting in Mishra's death and injuries to several others.
Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla confirmed the details of the encounter, stating that five individuals were arrested, including the two who were injured. Following the incident, Shukla visited the hospital to assess their conditions.
She also mentioned the recovery of a weapon used during the encounter and emphasised that further investigations and actions would follow as more facts about the violence emerged. The state plans to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against those involved in the riots.
A postmortem examination of Ram Gopal Mishra revealed that he died from a bullet wound, dispelling various speculations about the circumstances of his death. Mishra's family has been vocal about their grievances, with Rukhsar, the daughter of Abdul Hameed, expressing deep concern over her father and brothers being detained by the UP Special Task Force (STF).
She feared for their safety, suspecting that they might be targeted in further encounters. The political reactions to the violence and subsequent police action have been swift. The Congress party criticised the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of attempting to cover up its failures through fake encounters.
Ajai Rai, the UP Congress chief, condemned the government’s approach, suggesting that it has been engaging in encounters to divert attention from its inability to maintain law and order.
Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, echoed these sentiments, questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in the state. He pointed out that if the law and order situation could truly be improved through encounters, then UP would have made significant progress in many areas.
Yadav criticised the government's methods, stating that the administration seems more focused on instilling fear than on addressing the underlying issues leading to such violence.
The Bahraich violence has also had significant ramifications beyond the immediate incident. Following the clashes, hundreds of people protested, demonstrating the community's outrage over the events. During this unrest, a local hospital was damaged, with reports indicating that miscreants vandalised equipment and facilities.
In response to the violence and its aftermath, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with Ram Gopal Mishra's family, along with BJP MLA Sureshvar Singh, to assure them of justice.
Adityanath also pledged immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to support Mishra's family. This promise was made public through a post on social media, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the victim's family.
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