Fri Oct 18 04:50:59 UTC 2024: ## Bahraich Violence: Accused in Durga Idol Immersion Incident Killed in Encounter, Wife Alleges Fake Encounter

**Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh:** Tension continues to grip Bahraich after a police encounter with two accused, Sarfaraz and Talib, allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of Ram Gopal Mishra during Durga idol immersion. The encounter, involving the UP STF, left Sarfaraz in critical condition.

While the police claim the encounter was a result of an attempt by the accused to escape custody, the wife of the deceased, Ram Gopal Mishra, has alleged a fake encounter and accused the police of accepting bribes. In a viral video, she claimed that her husband was shot in the leg, raising doubts about the official narrative.

Further adding to the unrest, the wife of Sarfaraz, Rukhsar, has alleged that her husband and his brother, Shahid, were taken away after a search of their home yielded no evidence. She expressed fear for their safety and demanded information on their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, former minister Yasar Shah has urged residents of Bahraich to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors. He has appealed for cooperation with the authorities to ensure the safety and security of the district.

Following the violence that erupted during Durga Puja idol immersions in several districts, the Uttar Pradesh DGP has sought reports from ADGs of all zones, including Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, where incidents of communal tension were reported. Action is expected against officials who failed to prevent communal unrest.

With heightened security in place, including deployment of additional forces in Bahraich, Gonda, and Balrampur, the arrested accused will be produced in court today. The police are expected to seek police custody for further investigation.

The incident has raised serious concerns about communal harmony and police accountability. A thorough investigation is expected to shed light on the truth behind the encounter and address the concerns raised by the family of the deceased.

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