An Additional Sessions Judge's court in Bahraich district today delivered its verdict in the murder case of Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed during communal violence that erupted on October 13, 2024, amidst a Durga idol immersion procession, while the court sentenced the main convict, Sarfaraz, to death, while nine other individuals received life imprisonment. This significant judgment comes after a remarkably swift trial, concluded in just 13 months and 26 days, a pace highlighted by government counsel Pramod Singh as an exemplary instance of expeditious justice.
Detailed Account of the Incident
The tragic incident unfolded in the Maharajganj area, under the Mahsi police station jurisdiction. On October 13, 2024, a Durga idol immersion procession was underway when a dispute arose over music being played on a DJ system. This minor disagreement quickly escalated into full-blown communal violence, involving stone-pelting and firing. During the chaos, 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra sustained a gunshot wound and succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while the incident created significant tension across the region, prompting immediate intervention from the administration to restore order.
Judicial Process and Trial Efficiency
The judicial process in the Ram Gopal Mishra murder case progressed with remarkable speed, while the police filed the charge sheet in court on January 11, 2025, approximately three months after the incident. Subsequently, charges were framed against the accused on February 18, 2025. Throughout the trial, a total of 12 witnesses testified, presenting crucial facts and evidence related to the incident, while based on their testimonies, the court reserved its verdict on November 21, leading to the convictions and acquittals announced earlier.
Convictions and Sentencing Details
On December 9, the court had convicted 10 out of the 13 accused individuals in the case, while three others were acquitted due to lack of evidence. Those convicted included Abdul Hameed, his son Faheem, Sarfaraz, Talib, Saif, Javed, Zeeshan, Nankau, Shoaib, and Maroof. In today's sentencing, Sarfaraz, identified as the primary perpetrator in Ram Gopal Mishra's murder, was handed the death penalty. The remaining nine convicts—Abdul Hameed, Faheem, Talib, Saif, Javed, Zeeshan, Nankau, Shoaib, and Maroof—were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Applicable Legal Sections and Provisions
The accused were charged under several stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The most prominent among these was BNS Section 103(2), which pertains to murder in mob lynching and carries a provision for either the death penalty or life imprisonment, while Also, the accused faced charges under BNS Sections 191(2), 191(3), 190, 109(2), 249, 61(2), and Section 30 of the Arms Act. These sections carry penalties ranging from 2 to 5 years imprisonment, or even the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime.
Acquitted Individuals and Family's Reaction
Three individuals, namely Khurshid, Shakeel, and Afzal, were acquitted by the court on December 9 due to insufficient evidence. Following this decision, Ram Gopal Mishra's wife, Roli Mishra, expressed her disappointment, stating, “My husband’s killers should be hanged; only then will justice be served. The three who were acquitted are also guilty, and they too should be punished. ” The family had consistently demanded the death penalty for all the accused, but the court rendered its judgment based on the evidence presented.
Immediately after the incident, the administration implemented extensive measures to maintain communal harmony in Maharajganj and surrounding areas. A heavy police force was deployed to prevent any further untoward incidents. The National Security Act (NSA) was also invoked in the case, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier assured strict action in. The matter, and today's verdict is seen as a fulfillment of that assurance. This swift and stringent justice may serve as a deterrent. Against similar incidents in the future, reinforcing the rule of law.
