Bahraich Violence Story:
In Bahraich, an eruption of violence occurred on October 13 during an idol immersion procession, resulting in the tragic shooting death of a young man named Ramgopal Mishra. Subsequent chaos escalated with rampant vandalism and arson. Thousands took to the streets armed with sticks and batons. The unrest stretched to the next day, October 14, compelling law enforcement including DM-SP, PAC, and RAF to take action, with the STF chief seen chasing miscreants wielding a pistol. As some calm was restored, the hunt for Ramgopal's ‘killers’ intensified, leading to the arrest of five accused on October 17. During an encounter, two of them, Sarfaraz and Talim, sustained gunshot wounds in their legs.
The
identified as Sarfaraz is alleged to be the one who shot Ramgopal Mishra. The autopsy confirmed death by gunshot. The roof from which Ramgopal was shot belongs to Abdul Hameed, Sarfaraz’s father. Sarfaraz’s sister, Rukhsar, stated that while her brother indeed fired the shot, it was an act of self-preservation in face of an aggressive mob attempting to enter their courtyard. A unforeseen incident unfolded.
What Else Did Accused Sarfaraz’s Sister Say?
Rukhsar questioned why her husband Osama and brother-in-law Shahid were apprehended by the STF, insisting they had no involvement in the incident as they weren't present at the scene. Rukhsar implored the police to scrutinize the facts, emphasizing that on October 14, her husband and brother-in-law were taken into custody, following the earlier detention of her father Abdul Hameed, brother Sarfaraz, and another individual.
According to Rukhsar – they have left everything to the decision of the Yogi government, expressing trust in just actions. Her plea is for a comprehensive investigation that fairly assesses whether her family acted in defense or is to be held accountable. The possibility that someone else might have fired is not ruled out, as firing was reciprocal in nature.
Source: aajtak
Was Firing the Only Option?
Addressing whether firing was inevitable, Rukhsar contended that allegations of multiple shots and electric shocks inflicted on the deceased (Ramgopal) were untrue. In defense amidst a violent assault on their home, what alternative did they have? Nonetheless, justifying loss of life remains untenable, unforeseen incidents occurred inadvertently in self-defense.
Rukhsar expressed distress over her family’s alleged involvement in the event, calling attention to their helpless cries from the courtyard pleading for salvation from the mob. Neighboring youth, Saroj (Hindu), attempted to aid them but was also brutalized by the crowd, sustaining severe head injuries.
Source: aajtak
Rukhsar clarified that she did not shelter the accused in this case, residing 40 kilometers away from her parental home in Maharajganj. Her father Abdul and brother Sarfaraz were initially resistant to her marriage, yet she proceeded with a love marriage. Her father and brother, still disapproving of her husband, refrained from visiting her home thereafter.
