Bahraich communal violence case: Main accused Sarfaraz found hanging, nine others get life imprisonment

Bahraich (The Uttam Hindu): The court has delivered a historic verdict in the Maharajganj violence and Ramgopal Mishra murder case that shook the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. Additional District and Sessions Judge Pawan Kumar Sharma has convicted the main accused Sarfaraz and sentenced him to death, while the other nine accused involved in this heinous crime have been sentenced to life imprisonment. In view of this verdict, strict security arrangements were made in the entire court premises and sensitive areas of the district and the entire area appeared to be transformed into a cantonment.

This incident dates back to October 13, 2024, when communal violence broke out during a Durga idol immersion procession in Maharajganj, under the Hardi police station area. During this incident, Ramgopal Mishra, a young man from Rehuwa Mansoor village, was brutally shot and killed. Following this incident, tension and unrest persisted in the area for nearly a week. Acting swiftly, the police registered a case against Abdul Hameed and other accused. The then station chief, Kamal Shankar Chaturvedi, completed the investigation and filed a charge sheet in court on January 11, 2025.

According to ADGC Criminal Pramod Kumar Singh, due to the prosecution's effective and swift prosecution, the court began presenting evidence and testimony on March 4th and concluded on November 26th. Given the gravity of the case, the court conducted a speedy trial and on Tuesday convicted 10 accused, while three others were acquitted due to lack of evidence. With today's sentencing, the victim's family has received justice in this high-profile case.

The police administration was fully prepared to maintain law and order on the day of the verdict. In addition to the court premises, a heavy police force was deployed in Maharajganj and surrounding areas. It is worth noting that the violence led to a major reshuffle in the police administration. The then CO Mahsi, ASP Rural, and later SP Vrinda Shukla were also transferred. A total of 12 cases were registered at Hardi and Ramgaon police stations during the violence, with the biggest challenge for the police being the arrest of the accused and restoration of peace in the area.