The Bahraich murder case took a dramatic turn on Thursday when police shot two suspects during an escape attempt near the India-Nepal border. This incident has ignited a political controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the government of using encounters to distract from its failures.
According to police reports, the five suspects were being transported for a weapons recovery operation when Mohammed Sarfaraz and Mohammed Talib tried to flee. In response, police fired shots, injuring both men in the legs. They were taken to Nanpara Community Health Centre, where a doctor confirmed their injuries: “Two individuals were brought to us, one identified as Sarfaraz and the other as Mohammed Talib. Both sustained leg injuries from gunfire and have been referred to the district hospital for further care. We have not yet removed the bullets,” the doctor stated.
Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar elaborated on the incident, saying, “While taking the five arrested individuals for weapons recovery near the India-Nepal border, Sarfaraz and Talib attempted to escape. Shots were fired during their attempt to flee, resulting in their injuries. The other three suspects—Abdul Hameed, Fahim, and Abdul Afzal—were also apprehended.”
SP Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, added, “When the police team was in the Nanpara area for weapon recovery, Sarfaraz and Talib had the murder weapon loaded and fired at the police. In self-defense, the police returned fire, injuring the two. They are receiving treatment and all five have been officially arrested. Strict action will be taken against them, and we are continuing our search for additional suspects.”
The incident has sparked fierce political backlash. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the police actions, stating, “Such incidents are recurring in UP due to the government’s failures. They resort to encounters to cover up their inadequacies. If encounters were the solution for law and order, UP would be far better off than many other states.”
Congress MP Imran Masood echoed these concerns, emphasizing that all involved in violence should face consequences, saying, “Rioters who burned shops must also be punished. There should be no discrimination; those who vandalized and assaulted women should be held accountable.”
This incident is rooted in violence that erupted in Maharajganj during a Durga Puja immersion procession on Sunday. The chaos began over loud music played near a place of worship and resulted in the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra from gunshot wounds, along with several injuries. The violence led to widespread vandalism, with mobs setting fire to houses, shops, hospitals, and vehicles. Police have since registered multiple FIRs, detained 55 suspects, and increased security in the area.
As investigations continue, the encounter and its repercussions are likely to remain a focal point of heated debate and scrutiny regarding police conduct in Uttar Pradesh.