Bahraich Communal Violence: Hindu Victims Allege Muslims Had Pre-Planned Attack, Medical Officer Gives Details On Mishra's Death

Four days after communal violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich, where 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was killed, internet services have been restored, while heavy police force remains deployed.

Four IPS officers, 12 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), two companies of Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) and one company of Rapid Action Force (RAF) remain deployed in the area.

On Wednesday (16 October) night, action was taken against the Circle Officer of Mahsi, a tehsil in Bahraich district where violence erupted, Rupendra Gaur as was suspended.

It is alleged that Gaur ordered a lathi charge on those taking part in the Durga idol immersion procession, which aggravated the crowd and escalated the violence.

A total of 11 cases have been registered in relation to the communal violence against six named and 1,304 unnamed persons. UP Police has arrested 55 people till now.

One case was registered by Mishra's family against his killers. Danish aka Shaheer has been arrested in this case. Other cases are regarding vandalism and arson, registered both by Hindu and Muslim sides.

Meanwhile, a few reports have emerged suggesting that Mishra's murder and the communal violence were pre-planned. A victim of the violence has claimed that Muslims had kept stones ready for pelting.

Sudhakar Tiwari, receiving treatment at Lucknow's King George Hospital, was quoted as saying by Jagran that Muslim youths were waiting with sticks, rods and sharp objects for the Hindu procession.

Reportedly, two Muslim youths had grudges against Mishra earlier and they arrived at the spot before the Hindu procession. Station in charge Kamal Shankar Chaturvedi is exploring the personal enmity angle.

Chief Medical Officer of Bahraich, Dr Sanjay Kumar Sharma said that 25 to 30 bullets from an air gun hit Mishra which led to huge blood loss and caused his death.

"The victim's left eye was injured by being hit with a sharp object. Both toes were injured and some part of the nails is missing. There could be a possibility that he was also electrocuted," Sharma was quoted as saying by ANI.