In a significant breakthrough in the Bahraich communal violence case, police detained six individuals on Sunday, including the chief orchestrator, Shakeel Ahmed. Meanwhile, a reward of Rs 10,000 each has been announced for the capture of absconding suspects Saif Ali, Javed, and Shoaib. The violence tragically claimed the life of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra.
According to PTI, Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla disclosed that in connection with Mishra's murder during the Durga idol immersion procession in Maharajganj and the subsequent violence, two cases have been registered under various BNS sections at Hardi Police Station, including 191(2) (rioting), 103(2) (murder), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 109 (attempt to murder) and the Arms Act.
During the investigation, the names of the main conspirator, 52-year-old Shakeel Ahmed, aka Babloo from Maharajganj, his brother Mohammad Irfan (29), and Farhan Raza (24) came to light, along with those of Haseeb (33), Tausif (25), and Noorani (28), who were involved in disrupting communal harmony. All six have been arrested and sent to jail through the court.
The SP further revealed that Saif Ali, Javed, and Shoaib, residents of Maharajganj, were also implicated in the incident during the investigation. They remain on the run, with a reward of Rs 10,000 declared on each head. Shakeel Ahmed already faces two previous criminal charges.
Police sources have confirmed that 19 people from Maharajganj were detained for questioning by the Hardi police, leading to the arrest of six individuals. Another police official, speaking anonymously, mentioned, "Shakeel Ahmed conspired to create havoc during the Durga idol immersion procession on October 13. He was determined, even ready to resort to violence if necessary."
With Sunday's arrests, a total of 121 individuals from both sides have been taken into custody. The situation in Maharajganj area and the district is reported to be completely normal, with ample police deployment as a precaution.
To recap, the violence that erupted during the Durga idol immersion procession on October 13 caused the death of Mishra, a resident of Rehua Mansur village. This incident precipitated communal violence on October 13 and 14 in Mahsi, Maharajganj, and Bahraich. During the mayhem, several homes, shops, and showrooms were vandalized and set ablaze, and some hospitals also faced attacks. In relation to the violence, a total of 15 cases were registered. More than 1,000 video footage clips are undergoing scientific analysis by a special IT expert team, and a separate control room has been established.
