BREAKING: Bahraich Killer Sarfaraz, Talib Shot During Encounter While Trying To Flee To Nepal

Bahraich: The two main accused Sarfaraz and Talib in the Bahraich murder case were shot in an encounter with the police on Thursday. Reports suggest both the accused were trying to flee to Nepal. According to sources, the encounter took place on the bypass of Nanpara police station.

 The injured accused have been admitted to Nanpara CHC for treatment. Police security has been increased outside the CHC and no one is being allowed inside. 

5 Suspects Arrested

"Five suspects in the Bahraich violence case were arrested after the encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police in which two of them suffered gunshot injuries", a senior official said. The accused were allegedly trying to flee to Nepal, which shares a border with Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh, the officer confirmed. "Five accused have been arrested," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash stated. 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, has already established the link of one of the accused in Nepal.

Video of Incident Day Surfaces

Meanwhile, a video has surfaced from the October 13 incident, showing the victim, Ram Gopal Mishra, being shot. In the clip, Mishra is seen removing a green flag and replacing it with a saffron flag before the shooting occurred.  

Internet Services Restored in Bahraich

Earlier in the day, Internet services were restored in Bahraich district as local authorities continued to work towards restoring normalcy in and around Maharajganj where a 22-year-old man was killed in communal violence during a Durga idol immersion procession on Sunday, officials said.

The police have also issued a stern warning against the spread of rumours, urging the residents to prioritise communal harmony amid the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pavitra Mohan Tripathi said in a video message, "In relation to the incident in Maharajganj on October 13, false information is being spread on social media to disrupt communal harmony. Claims that the deceased was electrocuted, attacked with a sword, or had his nails pulled out are baseless." "The post-mortem report confirmed that the cause of death was gunshot wounds. No other fatalities occurred in this incident. We request everyone to ignore rumours and refrain from spreading false information," Tripathi added.

What Happened in Bahraich's Maharajganj

The violence broke out at Maharajganj under Mahsi tehsil on Sunday over the alleged playing of loud music outside a place of worship during a Durga Puja immersion procession, in which Ram Gopal Mishra (22) died of gunshot injuries.

The incident triggered vandalism and arson in the area as houses, shops, showrooms, hospitals and vehicles were torched by mobs, prompting the police to lodge multiple FIRs against unidentified rioters and some named accused.

The police have so far rounded up 55 suspects besides deploying heavy security in the mixed-population town where tension escalated over the playing of the song – "Chahe Jitna Jor Laga Lo, Aayenge Phir Yogi Ji".

Raids at Chandpara and Nakwa

A police officer, on the condition of anonymity, told a leading news agency that raids were conducted at Chandpara and Nakwa villages late on October 16 in search of the main accused, but no arrests were made.

The family members of the deceased have lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against six named and four unknown people. On Tuesday and Wednesday, religious leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities, including Mahamandaleshwar Swami Ravi Giri Maharaj, President of Ram Leela Committee Shyamkaran Tekariwal, and Maulana Qari Zubair Ahmad Kasmi, made appeals to people to restore peace and harmony.