Bahraich violence: 2 accused shot at during police encounter; 5 arrested

Sarfaraz alias Rinku and Faheem, who were allegedly involved in the murder of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra during violence in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, were shot at during an alleged encounter with police on Thursday (October 17).

This incident occurred near the international border when they were trying to flee to Nepal. During the encounter with Uttar Pradesh Police, five suspects have been arrested, a senior official said.

Also read: ‘Long chase’ with pistol in hand: How senior UP cop took on Bahraich mob

"Five accused have been arrested," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash told a news channel.

Nepal link

On the encounter, he said, "I have information of exchange of fire and gunshot injuries." Yash said the Bahraich police, investigating the murder and subsequent violence, have already established the link of one of the accused in Nepal.

Sarfaraz and Faheem are the sons of Abdul Hameed, the main accused in the Bahraich violence case.

The encounter took place as part of ongoing efforts to arrest the suspects connected to the violent incident that claimed Mishra's life.

Further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of their involvement.

Violence broke out at Maharajganj in the Mahsi tehsil of Bahraich district on Sunday allegedly over loud music being played outside a place of worship during a Durga Puja immersion procession.

Mishra, part of the passing group, died of a gunshot wound in the ensuing violence.

The incident triggered vandalism and arson in the area with angry mobs torching several houses, shops, showrooms, hospitals, and vehicles.

Meanwhile, internet services were restored in Bahraich district, including the strife-torn Maharajganj, after four days on Thursday.

Police have so far registered 12 FIRs and arrested 55 suspects in connection with the Sunday murder and subsequent violence, according to officials.

Akhilesh blames UP govt for Bahraich violence

On Thursday, reacting to the Bahraich violence case, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav termed it a failure of the Yogi Adityanath government and the local administration.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also wondered why there was "no police security" when "such a big event" was being organised.

"This is the failure of the Bahraich administration and the government. They talk about zero tolerance, and conducting every event very peacefully. So why was there no police security when such a big event was being organised?" Yadav asked, speaking to reporters in Lucknow.

"Was the administration not aware of how and what was happening there?" he added.

On Monday also, Yadav alleged that the state BJP government knew the reasons behind the violence and going after the small fish would not help it.

"The government knows the reason for the violence. Taking action against junior officials won't help. The administration should have been alert while the procession was being taken out," he posted on X.

(With agency inputs)