The Additional Sessions Judge's court today sentenced the accused in the murder case of Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed in violence that broke out during a Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich district on October 13, 2024. The court sentenced Sarfaraz to death, while nine others were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Pawan Kumar Sharma today sentenced the accused in the murder case of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra, who was killed in communal violence during a Durga idol immersion procession on October 13, 2024, in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh. The Bahraich court sentenced Sarfaraz, accused of killing Ram Gopal, to death. Nine other accused were sentenced to life imprisonment.

It should be noted that on December 9, the court convicted 10 of the 13 accused, while acquitting three due to lack of evidence. The convicted accused are Abdul Hameed, his son Faheem, Sarfaraz, Talib, Saif, Javed, Zeeshan, Nankau, Shoaib, and Maruf. Of these, Sarfaraz has been sentenced to death. Government Advocate Pramod Singh stated that the trial was completed and the verdict was delivered in just 13 months and 26 days, which is an example of speedy justice.

12 witnesses appeared during the trial

The incident occurred in Maharajganj, under the Mahsi police station area, where a dispute arose over a DJ song. Ram Gopal Mishra was shot and killed in the ensuing stone-pelting and firing. Police filed a charge sheet in court on January 11, 2025, and charges were framed against the accused on February 18. The verdict was reserved on November 21 after 12 witnesses testified.

These sections were imposed on the accused

The accused face charges under Section 103(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) (murder in connection with mob lynching), which carries a penalty of death or life imprisonment. Other sections include sections 191(2), 191(3), 190, 109(2), 249, 61(2), and Section 30 of the Arms Act, which carry a penalty of two to five years' imprisonment or even death.

These accused were acquitted by the court

On December 9, when the court acquitted three accused, Ram Gopal Mishra's wife, Roli Mishra, said, "Hang my husband's killers, only then will we get justice. The three acquitted are also guilty and should be punished." The family has demanded the death penalty for all the accused. Those acquitted are Khurshid, Shakeel, and Afzal. The NSA was also imposed in the case. The administration has deployed heavy forces in the area to maintain communal harmony. CM Yogi Adityanath had already assured strict action.

 PC:TV9Bharatvarsh