Bahraich, 14 October: The last rites of Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed in communal violence between two communities during idol immersion in the district on Sunday, were performed on Monday evening. The Police has registered a case against six named and four unidentified people. The miscreants will be identified from CCTV footage and arrested. More than 30 people have been detained. Two policemen including the station in-charge have been suspended for negligence.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) Vrinda Shukla said that on Sunday, during idol immersion in Mahsi’s Maharajganj, people of two communities came face to face. During this, Ram Gopal Mishra (22) died in stone pelting and firing incident. Many people were injured. After this incident, the police somehow managed to control the riot that broke out late at night. On Monday morning, after the post-mortem of the body, the family reached the tehsil headquarters with the body and started creating a ruckus by placing it on the road. Their demand was that the accused should be encountered in front of them. Their house should be demolished with a bulldozer.
SP further apprised that the administration was trying to convince the family. But the angry mob created a lot of ruckus. Vehicles, houses and shops were set on fire. The situation deteriorated so much that the internet service had to be shut down. Police force and PAC were called from outside. Secretary (Home) Sanjeev Gupta and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash reached Bahraich district from Lucknow. They took charge. The administration kept convincing the family for several hours.
Arson and vandalism in five villages
Angry people vandalized Sadhuwapur, Nathuapur, Maharajganj town, Kabarian Purva and Darjin Purva on Monday. 12 motorcycles and two tractors were set on fire. Hospital and shops were set on fire. The police used tear gas and lathicharge to control the situation.
Family cremated the body after several hours.
The local MLA along with the administration officials had to come to the ground to convince the family of the youth killed in communal violence. The Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate reached there and tried to convince the people, but the people were not ready to listen. They said that the accused should be identified and action of attachment along with bulldozer should be taken. However, MLA Sureshwar Singh reached there and assured the people that the accused will not be spared under any circumstances, action will be taken. After this, the family agreed to the last rites. The body was cremated late on Monday evening. Police force remained deployed during this time.
Accused being identified: Superintendent of Police
Vrinda Shukla told the journalists that those who committed communal violence in Maharajganj are being identified. By watching the CCTV footage of violence-affected areas, anarchic elements are being identified, and strict action will be taken against them. Internet service is still closed. Police officials are patrolling with force in the affected areas.
