A local court in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich on Friday ordered 5 men, arrested in connection with the murder of a youth during a Durga idol procession in the Maharajganj area, to be held in judicial custody for 14 days.
The accused Sarfaraz, Mohd Talim, Abdul Hameed, Faheem, and Mohd Afzal were presented before Chief Judicial Magistrate Pratibha Chaudhary.
This incident is part of a larger investigation, with police having arrested a total of 60 individuals following the shooting of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed during a confrontation between Hindu and Muslim communities. Mishra was participating in the religious procession when he was shot, prompting violent protests the next day that resulted in the destruction of homes, shops, and vehicles.
In light of the ongoing tensions in the area, the court hearing was conducted at the CJM’s residence. Nearly a week after the violence, many shops remained closed, and heavy police presence was evident throughout the district. Barricades were erected, restricting vehicle movement and ensuring thorough checks by police.
Friday prayers at the main mosque in Maharajganj Bazar, which was central to the unrest, were largely unattended, while other mosques in the district saw only a few worshippers. The marketplace remained deserted, further underscoring the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The Maharajganj area is under heightened surveillance, with drones and helicopters monitoring from the air, and ground security provided by police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) personnel. The district has been divided into nine sectors and three zones, each monitored by magistrates to maintain order.
The five men in custody were arrested Thursday after a gunfight, during which two of them sustained gunshot wounds. Police stated that the suspects were allegedly attempting to flee to Nepal when they were confronted. This gunfight occurred in the Hada Basehari area, located about 15 km from Rupaidiha, a key transit point between India and Nepal.
The situation remains volatile, with authorities committed to restoring peace and preventing further escalation of violence in the region.
