A local court in Bahraich on Friday sent five men to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the murder of a youth during a Durga idol procession in Maharajganj. The five accused—Sarfaraz, Mohd Talim, Abdul Hameed, Faheem, and Mohd Afzal—were presented before Chief Judicial Magistrate Pratibha Chaudhary.
The incident took place last Sunday, during a Hindu religious procession, leading to the fatal shooting of Ram Gopal Mishra, 22, amid a confrontation between Hindu and Muslim groups. Mishra, who was part of the procession, succumbed to a gunshot wound.
The youth’s death sparked a series of violent events, including arson and vandalism across the district, with mobs setting fire to houses, shops, showrooms, hospitals, and vehicles.
Police have arrested 60 individuals so far in connection with the unrest. The five men sent to judicial custody on Friday were among those apprehended on Thursday after a gunfight with the Uttar Pradesh Police. The confrontation occurred in the Hada Basehari area under the Nanpara Police Station, near the Nepal border. During the exchange of fire, two of the accused suffered bullet wounds, according to officials. Police allege that the men were attempting to escape to Nepal at the time of their arrest. Hada Basehari is located approximately 15 kilometers from Rupaidiha, a key transit point between India and Nepal.
Due to the tense situation in Maharajganj, the hearing was held at the residence of the Chief Judicial Magistrate for security reasons. Nearly a week after the initial violence, the district remains on high alert, with a heavy deployment of police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) personnel. Drones and helicopters are being used for aerial surveillance, while ground forces continue to maintain strict vigil.
Authorities have divided the district into nine sectors and three zones, each under the supervision of a magistrate to ensure peace and order. Barricades have been set up at multiple locations, and vehicles are being thoroughly checked before being allowed to pass.
Amidst the heightened security, many shops in the district remained closed on Friday. The main mosque in Maharajganj Bazar, a focal point of the initial clashes, saw no worshippers during Friday prayers, while other mosques in the area reported a sparse turnout. The usually bustling markets were eerily quiet, with very few shoppers.
District officials are urging residents to maintain peace, as efforts continue to restore normalcy.
The situation remains tense but under control, with authorities emphasizing that any attempts to disrupt law and order will be met with strict action.
