Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh [India], October 17, 2024 – In a dramatic escalation of events, Mohammad Sarfaraz, the prime suspect in the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra, was arrested after a tense confrontation with Uttar Pradesh police near the Nepal border. The arrest, following an exchange of gunfire, has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Yogi Adityanath administration of using encounters to mask its governance failures.
एंकाउंटर के बाद आरोपी सरफ़राज़ की पुलिस से बातचीत सुनिए।
— Rubika Liyaquat (@RubikaLiyaquat) October 17, 2024
“ग़लती हो गई अब कभी नहीं करेंगे सर” pic.twitter.com/4rY6gHL9SS
Sarfaraz, who had been on the run since allegedly killing Mishra during a Durga idol immersion procession in Mansoor village, was apprehended along with four others. The STF made the arrest based on intelligence gathered during the investigation into the violent clashes that followed the fatal shooting.
Murder During Durga Procession Fuels Violence
The origins of the violence date back to October 12, 2024, when a disagreement over loudspeaker use at the Durga idol immersion turned deadly in Bahraich’s Maharajganj area. Sarfaraz is accused of opening fire during the altercation, killing Mishra on the spot. The incident sparked immediate unrest in the region, leading to widespread riots, arson, and clashes between the police and angry locals.
On the following day, tensions escalated as Mishra’s family refused to proceed with his cremation, demanding swift justice for the murder. Their protest continued until local authorities promised strict action against the perpetrators. Following this, a flag march was held, internet services were suspended, and additional forces, including paramilitary units, were deployed to maintain order.
Encounter Near Nepal Border
As the search for Sarfaraz intensified, police received key information from one of the 50 individuals detained in connection with the violence. The STF tracked Sarfaraz and his accomplices to the Indo-Nepal border, where the accused attempted to flee across international lines. When confronted, Sarfaraz and his associates reportedly opened fire on the police, using the same weapon involved in the murder. During the gunfight, both Sarfaraz and another suspect, Mohammed Talib, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The murder weapon was recovered at the scene.
STF Chief Amitabh Yash expressed optimism that Sarfaraz’s arrest would unravel the full scope of the events leading to the unrest. “With the prime suspects in custody, we expect to learn more about their network and their efforts to evade capture,” Yash said.
Political Controversy Erupts
The arrest and encounter have quickly become a flashpoint for political debate in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition parties questioning the state government’s reliance on encounters to address law and order issues. The Samajwadi Party (SP), Congress, and AIMIM have accused the administration of staging fake encounters to cover up its inadequacies.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was among the first to criticize the government, claiming that the encounter was a ploy to distract from the state’s law enforcement failures. “This incident highlights the administration’s inability to maintain order. Encounters are being used as a smokescreen to hide their shortcomings. If encounters were effective, UP would be a model state,” Yadav said.
UP Congress President Ajay Rai echoed similar sentiments, accusing the government of conducting staged encounters. “The state has long used encounters to create an illusion of control. This is yet another attempt to bury their failures under the guise of law enforcement,” Rai stated.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also joined the fray, condemning the encounter and suggesting that such tactics target minority communities disproportionately. “This encounter raises serious concerns about the state’s approach to policing and justice. It seems that encounters are being used as a tool to intimidate certain communities,” Owaisi remarked.
STF Responds to Allegations
Facing mounting criticism, the STF has staunchly defended its actions, asserting that the encounter was conducted lawfully and in response to direct threats from the suspects. Amitabh Yash reiterated that all legal protocols were followed, and evidence will be presented in court to validate the operation’s legitimacy. “We acted on credible intelligence, and the suspects resisted arrest by firing upon our officers. The court will determine the authenticity of the encounter based on the facts,” Yash asserted.
Wider Implications and Future Probes
As the political fallout intensifies, the arrest of Sarfaraz and his associates has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate over Uttar Pradesh’s law and order policies. The Yogi Adityanath government’s approach to policing has come under increased scrutiny, with critics arguing that the frequent use of encounters undermines due process and the rule of law.
The incident has also revived discussions about communal tensions in the region, with the violence following the Durga procession raising concerns about the state’s ability to maintain communal harmony. Security forces remain on high alert in Bahraich, with a heightened presence to prevent further clashes.
The political ramifications of this encounter are likely to continue as opposition parties use the incident to challenge the government’s claims of effective law enforcement. The focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation and the judicial proceedings that will follow Sarfaraz’s capture. Authorities are hopeful that his testimony will clarify the extent of the violence and provide insight into the broader network involved in the clashes.
As the case unfolds, Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape may see further polarization, with law and order remaining a contentious issue ahead of the state’s upcoming elections.
