On the fateful Sunday of 13th October, a devastating clash erupted in Rehua Mansoor village, located in the Hardi police station area of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place during the Durga Visarjan (idol immersion) procession, a religious event celebrated with devotion by Hindus across the country. However, the peaceful celebration took a tragic turn when members of the Muslim community objected to the DJ music being played during the procession, igniting tensions between the two communities.

What initially started as an objection escalated into a violent confrontation. A barrage of stone-pelting soon followed, with the chaotic scene causing panic among the procession participants. The situation grew out of control as the crowd, enraged by the attack, responded, further fueling the disorder. According to reports, shots were fired during the incident, allegedly by Islamists, leading to the untimely death of a young Hindu man. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra, was an innocent participant in the immersion ceremony. Tragically, he became a target amid the violence, losing his life in the turmoil.

Several others were reportedly injured as a result of the stone-pelting, with their injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The injured victims were referred to a hospital in Lucknow, where they received further treatment.

In an attempt to control the spiraling violence, the police resorted to baton charging (lathi-charge). However, even their efforts could not restore peace immediately. Incidents of arson were reported, and the atmosphere in the village remained tense long after the clashes subsided.

Local residents were quick to voice their accusations against the police, blaming them for negligence in handling the situation. Many have expressed their belief that the police failed to act promptly, allowing the violence to escalate. Eyewitnesses have also alleged that the attackers took advantage of the police’s actions during the lathi-charge to execute the fatal shooting of Ram Gopal Mishra.

How Did the Violence Start in Bahraich?

Following the violent incident during the Devi Durga idol immersion procession, the local administration has moved swiftly to increase security in the region. What initially seemed like a regular celebration turned into a dangerous situation when tensions boiled over between the Hindu and Muslim communities. According to eyewitnesses, the conflict began on the evening of Sunday, as the procession was moving through the area. The trouble reportedly started when DJ music being played during the immersion ceremony sparked objections from the Muslim community. What began as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into a much more severe confrontation.

It is said that the situation worsened when Muslim youths protested the songs being played, and soon after, the disagreement turned into verbal abuse between the two groups. The hostility grew further when stone-pelting from rooftops was directed at the Hindu devotees taking part in the procession. The chaos increased as the crowd struggled to manage the unexpected attack. Sadly, amidst the violence, the idol of Goddess Durga was damaged by the stones, further angering the Hindu community.

The violence took an even darker turn when, during the clash, a youth was allegedly dragged into a nearby house and shot. This horrifying act led to the death of Ramgopal Mishra, whose participation in the procession was tragically cut short. To address the escalating violence and ensure the safety of the public, a large police force has been deployed, and investigations into the incident are now ongoing. The community remains tense, and efforts to maintain peace are critical.

Adding to the evidence, a video has emerged that could play a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the murder. The footage, reportedly taken at the shop where Mishra was shot, shows his final moments on a rooftop as chants of "Jai Shri Ram" echoed in the background. The police have confirmed that this video is being considered an important clue in their investigation, providing insight into the events leading up to Mishra's death.

The Police's Statement on the Incident

Speaking to the media, Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla explained that the violent incident unfolded after a member of the Hindu community was fatally shot during an argument. She stated, “Today, when a procession was passing by a mosque through a Muslim area in the Maharajganj area of Mahasi, the Hindu and Muslim communities argued over some issue. During the argument, some individuals started creating chaos. One member of the Hindu community was shot and later died. Following his death, tension erupted in the region, and the Visarjan ceremony was halted at several locations. Some miscreants took advantage of the situation and tried to create further chaos.”

In an effort to regain control, SP Shukla emphasized the police’s quick response, saying, “The police swiftly swung into action and controlled the situation. The Visarjan at various places was resumed. Additional police personnel were deployed with all Visarjan processions. The police carried out video recording at the locations where violence occurred, and the miscreants are being identified. Thirty people have been arrested in connection with the Maharajganj incident, where a person was shot dead. An FIR has been registered in the matter. The search for the main accused, who is absconding, has been traced, and teams have been deployed to arrest him.”

Hindu Eyewitnesses Alleged Mishra Was Shot During a Lathi Charge

In contrast to the police's account of the tragic incident, several eyewitnesses who were present during the Bahraich violence have offered a different perspective. According to these witnesses, the death of Ramgopal Mishra occurred not merely as a result of an argument, but during a lathi charge initiated by the police against Hindus who were part of the Durga Visarjan procession.

One eyewitness vividly described the scene, saying, “At the intersection outside Maharajganj, stones were pelted at the idol. The stone pelting came from Abdul Hameed’s house. After the stone-pelting, when we arrived there, we demanded the arrest of those responsible from the authorities. By that time, a large crowd had gathered. Seeing the crowd, the police instead resorted to a lathi charge against us.” This account paints a troubling picture of how tensions escalated, with the police allegedly turning their force against the Hindu devotees rather than addressing the stone-pelting instigators.

The situation reportedly spiraled into complete chaos during the lathi charge, as the crowd, trying to escape the baton-wielding police, found themselves in a dangerous frenzy. It was during this commotion that Ramgopal Mishra met his tragic fate. According to the witness, “During the lathi charge, there was chaos. In that chaos, the family members of Abdul Hameed dragged him [Mishra] inside their house and shot him.” The details of this claim stand in stark contrast to the earlier statements from authorities, adding a new layer of complexity to the investigation.

The Hardi police station has come under severe criticism for its handling of the situation. Eyewitnesses have directly accused the police of failing in their duty, with one adding, “This is a matter under the jurisdiction of Hardi police station, and Hardi police station is 100% responsible for this incident. Had they wanted to, they could have deployed security personnel in front of Abdul Hameed’s house, arrested the culprits, and calmed the situation. Instead of arresting them, they lathi-charged us.”

The heart-wrenching part of this tragic event is the personal detail shared by the eyewitness, who revealed that Mishra was set to marry in four months.

Did Gopal Mishra Forcefully Enter a Muslim House and Hoist a Saffron Flag?

Amid the escalating violence, a video surfaced that added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the tragic death of Gopal Mishra. The Samajwadi Party released footage accusing Mishra of forcibly entering a Muslim house and hoisting a saffron flag. In the video, Gopal is seen taking down a green flag and replacing it with a saffron one. This footage has sparked debate and raised questions about the events leading to his death.

The media cell of the Samajwadi Party shared the video, making serious allegations: "Watch the pre-death video of Gopal, who was shot in Bahraich. Gopal forcibly entered a Muslim house, removed the green flag, threw it away, and forcibly hoisted the saffron flag. Who filled Gopal's mind with the poison to do this? It is not difficult to understand who is involved in this conspiracy. BJP and its power-hungry leaders are trying to stir communal unrest in Uttar Pradesh to win the upcoming elections. In the end, Gopal, who was turned from an innocent to a rioter, lost his life due to BJP's political maneuvers. The Bahraich incident is entirely a result of intelligence failure, police failure, and BJP's conspiracy, where innocent youth are being victimized, the atmosphere is deteriorating, and lives are being lost. Instead of viewing this incident through the lens of Hindu-Muslim conflict, it should be seen from the angle of BJP's power-hungry conspiracy, only then will the truth be revealed."

The video and statement released by the Samajwadi Party accuse political motives behind the incident, portraying Mishra as a victim of manipulation. They argue that BJP's political strategy aimed to incite communal tensions for electoral gains, leading to the loss of innocent lives like that of Gopal Mishra. According to their view, the Bahraich incident was not a simple matter of a communal clash but a conspiracy driven by political ambitions.

However, the locals in Bahraich have a starkly different narrative. They place the blame squarely on the local police, accusing them of failing to take action against the key accused, Abdul Hamid, who was involved in the stone-pelting that triggered the violence. According to witnesses, the police, instead of addressing the stone-pelting by radical Islamists, resorted to lathi-charging the Hindus, who were already under attack.

One resident stated, “What else was Mishra supposed to do, when administration and police lathi charged Hindus those who were already being stone-pelted by radical Islamists, and that too just for following Sanatan rituals in Bharat.” The local Hindus had demanded that the police arrest those responsible for the attack, but as tensions mounted, more people from the Muslim community arrived at the scene.

The situation quickly spiraled out of control. Amid the chaos and the stone-pelting, an unidentified miscreant opened fire. Reports suggest that someone from Abdul Hameed’s residence in the area fired the fatal shots. Ram Gopal Mishra, the son of Kailash Nath from Rehua Mansoor village, was shot at close range. Despite being rushed to the Medical College in Bahraich, Mishra succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

In addition to Mishra's death, another individual, Saroj Tiwari, was also hospitalized after being seriously injured by the stone-pelting. The tragic death of Mishra left the community in shock and anger. His family members and others participating in the Durga Visarjan procession, in their grief and frustration, blocked the road by placing his body outside the medical college in protest.

As the situation intensified, the idol immersions were halted throughout the city, with the Durga idols being placed at road junctions in the area. Adding insult to injury, the idols were damaged by the relentless stone-pelting, further deepening the pain and frustration of the Hindu community. The incident has left a profound impact on the region, as questions about police action and communal harmony continue to swirl in the aftermath of the tragedy.

CM Yogi Takes a Strict Stand on the Bahraich Incident

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded firmly to the violence in Bahraich, emphasizing the importance of taking decisive action against those responsible for the unrest. He has issued clear instructions to officials to identify the individuals who incited the violence and ensure they face strict punishment. With the idol immersion ceremony of Devi Durga interrupted by chaos, CM Yogi made it clear that such religious events should proceed without any further disruptions. He urged religious organizations to cooperate in ensuring that the immersion is completed on time, thereby respecting the traditions of the Sanatan Dharma.

The Chief Minister reassured the public by directing both administrative and police officials to maintain a constant presence at the site of the violence, making safety the top priority. Additionally, CM Yogi instructed authorities to hold accountable those whose negligence contributed to the incident, demonstrating that no leniency would be shown to those who failed in their duties.

Protests Erupt After Youth's Death

In the wake of the violence during the Durga idol immersion procession, tensions reached a boiling point in Maharajganj Bazaar within the Hardi area of Bahraich district. The situation deteriorated on Sunday when the procession was met with stone-pelting and gunfire, resulting in the tragic death of a young man. In response, a large crowd gathered in protest, bringing the youth's body to the district hospital and staging a demonstration demanding justice.

According to police sources, at least seven other people were injured during the violent clashes. The trouble began when individuals from the opposing community raised objections to the DJ music being played as the immersion procession passed through Maharajganj. What began as a minor complaint rapidly escalated into stone-pelting and, ultimately, gunfire, pushing the situation out of control.

Among the victims of the violence was 22-year-old Ramgopal Mishra, a resident of Rehua Mansoor village, who was struck by a gunshot during the clashes. Despite being rushed to the district hospital in critical condition, Mishra tragically succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the district, heightening already fragile tensions.

Reports indicate that another youth was also shot, and six others were injured as a result of the stone-pelting. As the news of Ramgopal’s death spread, tension gripped the district, with the local community grieving and demanding accountability for the violence that had marred their religious festival. The situation remains precarious as authorities continue to investigate and work to restore calm in the area.

Was the Shooting Accidental or Intentional?

The controversy surrounding the death of Ramgopal Mishra continues to deepen, with several key eyewitnesses and family members alleging that the shooting was deliberate. Ramlila Committee President Shyamkaran Tekdiwal, along with other witnesses, strongly claims that Mishra was intentionally targeted, contradicting any notion that his death was accidental.

In a new development, Mishra’s mother has come forward, revealing that her son was shot 24 times, adding to the already shocking details surrounding the case. According to her, this level of violence indicates clear intent to kill, not an accidental firing. Mishra, a newlywed, having been married only four months prior to the incident, joined the Devi Durga idol immersion procession, unaware that the celebration would turn into a tragic event.

Tekdiwal emphasized the brutality of the attack, stating, "The idol immersion was underway when stone-pelting occurred on the procession in Maharajganj, Mahsi Tehsil. A member associated with the Hindu organization was shot. He was hit by multiple bullets, not just one. His nails were also scratched. It seems like he was intentionally killed." The new information regarding the 24 bullets further supports the claim of a targeted killing, leaving no room for doubt about the deliberate nature of the attack.

As tensions flared after the stone-pelting and lathi charge by the police, the angered Hindu devotees reacted to the escalating violence. Eyewitnesses have reported that Mishra, along with other participants, became furious when they saw a green flag hoisted on a house. In a symbolic act of defiance, Mishra replaced the green flag with a saffron flag, further intensifying the already volatile situation.

Tekdiwal argued that had the shooting been an accident, Mishra would not have been hit by so many bullets. He said, "If the shooting was accidental, he would have been hit by only one bullet, not 10." The actual count of 24 bullets, confirmed by Mishra’s mother, points to an execution-style killing, not a random act of violence during the chaos.

BJP Leader's Protest and Halt of the Immersions

BJP leader Tekdiwal also voiced his concern over the incident, stating that the tragic turn of events had forced a halt in the immersion process. He explained that the immersion of all idols was being carried out under the Durga Puja Mahasamiti, an umbrella body overseeing the religious celebrations. However, due to the stone-pelting, gunfire, and the death of Ramgopal Mishra, the Mahasamiti decided to stop the immersion in protest.

Tekdiwal also highlighted the ongoing protests in response to the violence, where demonstrators are demanding strict action against the culprits behind the attack. The protesters are also calling for measures to ensure that such incidents of violence do not happen again in the future. Additionally, the protesters have called for the administration to address the concerns of BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh from Mahsi, who has expressed grave concern over the security and handling of the situation.

The immersion process will remain suspended until the administration engages with the BJP MLA and the protesters, demonstrating the heightened tensions in the region following the tragic death of Ramgopal Mishra. As the community mourns, the demands for justice and accountability continue to grow louder, adding pressure on local authorities to take swift and decisive action.