Bahraich violence: 87 Arrests, Encounter, and Vandalized Shops: The Story of Bahraich Violence

In Bahraich, 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was shot dead during a communal flare-up triggered by a group objecting to loud music outside a religious institution.

What Happened on October 13?

On October 13, Ram Gopal Mishra was shot in the Maharajganj area of Bahraich after he was seen removing a green flag from a rooftop and replacing it with a saffron one. A video of the incident circulated widely, showing his actions in a frenzy just before he was shot. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Following his death, the district erupted in violence, with property destruction, stone-pelting, and arson incidents reported. The local authorities were compelled to suspend internet services for four days as tensions escalated. Numerous shops, homes, and vehicles were vandalized, including a car showroom set ablaze on October 14. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed police to take strict action against those disrupting law and order or spreading rumors. He also met with Mishra’s family at his residence in Lucknow, assuring them that action would be taken against the perpetrators.

Arrests and Police Actions

In total, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested 87 individuals in connection with the rioting, while approximately 1,000 people were booked across 11 FIRs. Several police officials, including Circle Officer Rupendra Gaur and Tehsildar Ravikant Dwivedi, were removed from their positions following the violence. A station house officer and a police outpost in charge were also suspended.

Demolition Notices Issued

On October 20, the Public Works Department (PWD) conducted routine inspections in the Maharajganj area, measuring 20-25 houses, including that of Abdul Hameed, one of the accused in Mishra’s killing. The PWD issued a demolition notice, stating the constructions were illegal as they were built within 60 feet of the central point of the road. The notice demanded that Hameed vacate the premises within three days, threatening demolition if he failed to comply.

Panic Among Shopkeepers

Shopkeepers in Bahraich began emptying their stores and salvaging goods as the PWD served notices to 23 establishments, most of which belonged to Muslims. BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh noted that many shops on the Mahrajganj bypass may face action, emphasizing that no one would be spared, regardless of their religion.

Family’s Demands for Justice

The wife of Ram Gopal Mishra expressed her belief that justice would only be served when her husband’s killers were dead. Roli Mishra accused authorities of taking bribes to deny justice, stating, “Though they have been arrested, they should be dead.” Her father-in-law, Kailash Nath Mishra, shared his satisfaction after meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who promised assistance including money to build a house and a job for Roli. However, he insisted, “We demand that our son’s killer must suffer the same fate.”

On October 20, Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey was stopped from entering Bahraich, receiving advance notice from the collector. He remarked that he was advised not to go there to prevent further escalation, stating, “If something goes wrong, they will blame us.”