Bahraich Violence: Two accused shot during encounter while attempting to flee to Nepal
Bahraich violence: The Uttar Pradesh police reported on Thursday that they shot two individuals accused in the recent Bahraich violence case. The injured suspects, identified as Sarfaraz and Talib, were attempting to flee to Nepal when police intercepted them.
According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, the police were acting on intelligence that led them to a location to recover the weapon used in a recent murder. During this operation, Sarfaraz and Talib allegedly opened fire on the police using the weapon that had been concealed at the site. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, both suspects sustained serious injuries. The government confirmed that they are currently receiving medical treatment for their wounds.
"The weapon used in the murder has been recovered," the statement noted, highlighting the police's successful recovery operation.
In addition to the two injured suspects, the police announced that they had made five other arrests in connection with the violence. Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla confirmed the arrests, stating, "Five people have been arrested. Two of them have been injured in police firing. I am here to assess their condition. One of the injured is Md. Sarfaraz, the other is Md. Talib."
The violence in Bahraich erupted on October 13, following the tragic shooting of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra during a Durga idol immersion procession. Mishra's death sparked outrage, leading to violent protests where numerous shops and vehicles were vandalized and set ablaze by angry mobs.
Bahraich Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Sanjay Kumar reported during the post-mortem examination that approximately 25 to 30 pellets were found lodged in Mishra's body. "The report revealed that there were serious injury marks around the left eye and on the toenails," Dr. Kumar stated.
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Following the violent outbreak, law enforcement has been actively pursuing those involved. To date, a total of 55 individuals have been arrested across 11 separate cases filed after the incident. Among the recent arrests was Danish, also known as Shaheer Khan, who was one of the six suspects specifically named in the murder case.
The initial case regarding the violence was registered at the Hardi police station on the night of October 13, listing six named suspects and four unidentified individuals. Out of the total 11 cases filed, two cases were registered on both October 13 and October 14, with an additional seven cases filed on October 15.
In response to the escalating violence and to maintain order, mobile internet and broadband services in the region were suspended for three days. Fortunately, these services have since resumed, allowing residents to reconnect and communicate.
The situation in Bahraich remains tense as authorities continue their investigations into the violent incident and work to restore peace in the community.
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- With inputs from agencies