The city of Bahraich, located in Uttar Pradesh, has been thrust into the spotlight following communal tension and a dramatic police encounter.
Bahraich violence
On October 13, 2024, local residents in a predominantly Muslim area asked a Durga Puja idol immersion procession to turn down the music.
In a related incident, 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was murdered, and unverified random videos of the incident surfaced on social media.
The violence escalated, leading to widespread vandalism and arson, with reports of houses, shops, and vehicles being torched across the city.
The internet services were temporarily shut down to restore normalcy.
Bahraich Encounter
On October 17, the day of the encounter, the Uttar Pradesh Police had apprehended five individuals in connection with the violence.
However, the situation took a turn when two of the accused, Sarfaraz and Taleem, allegedly attempted to escape custody near the Nepal border, where they were reportedly trying to flee. During this escape attempt, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in both being injured.
According to police reports, the accused had fired at the police, prompting a retaliatory action in self-defense. Both Sarfaraz and Taleem sustained gunshot injuries to their legs and were immediately hospitalized. The encounter has sparked a debate over law enforcement tactics and the handling of sensitive communal issues.
The aftermath of the encounter saw political reactions from various quarters. Opposition parties criticized the Yogi Adityanath government, accusing it of using such encounters to mask deeper law and order issues. The Samajwadi Party, in particular, raised questions about the state’s governance, pointing towards a pattern of staged riots and encounters.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the police action, emphasizing the adherence to protocol and the necessity of such measures given the accused’s attempted escape and the potential threat they posed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the family of Ram Gopal Mishra, promising justice and support.