Bahraich violence: Court sentences one to death, life term to nine in 2024 Maharajganj case

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A local court on Thursday handed down a death sentence to one person and life imprisonment to nine others for the murder that occurred during communal violence in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj town last year.

The violence took place on October 13, 2024, during a Durga idol immersion procession.

During the incident, 21-year-old Ramgopal Mishra was shot dead as clashes broke out in the mixed-population area of Maharajganj. The violence quickly spread to nearby areas, including Mahsi and parts of Bahraich city, causing tension among residents. The next day saw widespread vandalism and arson, prompting an intensive response from the police.

Authorities, including Home Secretary Sanjeev Gupta and STF Chief and ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash, were deployed to restore peace. Internet services were suspended, and additional forces, including PAC, RRF, STF, and police from neighboring districts, were deployed.

A total of 13 people were named as accused in the FIR. Two of them died in a police encounter while trying to escape, while the others were arrested over time. A chargesheet against all 13 was filed on January 11, 2025, and charges were formally framed on February 18.

According to District Government Counsel (Criminal) Girish Chandra Shukla, the court of Additional Sessions Judge, First, Pawan Kumar Sharma, convicted Sarfaraz, Abdul Hameed, Mohammad Talib, Faheem, Zeeshan, Mohammad Saif, Javed, Soeb Khan, Nankau, and Maroof Ali on December 9. Khurshid, Shakeel, and Afzal were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Sarfaraz, who allegedly fired the fatal shot, was sentenced to death, while the remaining nine were given life imprisonment. In addition to the murder charges, fines and sentences were also imposed under other offences.

All 13 accused had been booked under the National Security Act following the police investigation. NSA proceedings were initiated against five in March 2025 and against the remaining eight in September. Saif and Shoeb, previously out on bail, were remanded to custody after their conviction.

Following the killing, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Mishra’s family in Lucknow, assured them of justice, and provided financial assistance along with a government job to the victim’s widow.