Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Death Sentence for Main Accused in Bahraich Communal Violence
In October 2024, a man named Ram Gopal Mishra was killed during a communal clash in Bahraich, India.
The fight started over playing music during a religious procession.
The main person responsible, Sarfaraz, was given the death penalty, and nine others were sentenced to life in prison.
Three people were found not guilty.
The violence spread, and many people were arrested.
The government also used special laws to keep some of the accused in jail without trial for a while.
The victim's family wanted the death penalty for the accused.
The court found that the prosecution proved the involvement of 10 people in the murder and violence, while three were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Sarfaraz, the main accused, was sentenced to death for the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra.
Nine others received life imprisonment, with a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.
The incident occurred on October 13, 2024, during a Durga idol immersion procession.
Three accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The violence led to widespread arson and attacks on homes and shops in the region.
- Who
- Sarfaraz (main accused) and nine others
- What
- Sentenced for murder and communal violence
- When
- October 13, 2024 (incident), December 11, 2025 (sentencing)
- Where
- Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- For the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra and subsequent violence
Prosecution
Defense
Evidence
Prosecution
The prosecution successfully proved the involvement of 10 accused in the murder and communal violence.
Defense
The defense argued that three accused lacked sufficient evidence to support their involvement, leading to their acquittal.
Sentencing
Prosecution
The prosecution sought the death penalty for the main accused and life imprisonment for the others.
Defense
The defense argued for lesser penalties, highlighting the lack of evidence for some accused.
- Date of Incident
- October 13, 2024
- Victim
- Ram Gopal Mishra
- Main Accused
- Sarfaraz
- Sentence for Main Accused
- Death
- Sentence for Others
- Life Imprisonment
- Fine Imposed
- Rs 1 lakh each
- Number of Accused
- 13
- Number of Acquitted
- 3
- Number of Convicted
- 10
- Date of Verdict
- December 9, 2025
- Date of Sentencing
- December 11, 2025
Sources
Prime accused in Bahraich communal violence given death sentence, nine others get life imprisonment
UP communal clash: 1 sentenced to death, 9 get lifer
3 Decades Later, 53-Year-Old Man Acquitted In 1993 Mumbai Riots Case
Death to 1, life term to 9 in Maharajganj communal clash murder
Sarfaraz sentenced to death for murder of Ram Gopal Mishra during attack on Durga Puja immersion in Bahraich last year
Court hands death penalty to main accused, life term to nine in Bahraich violence case
Bahraich violence verdict on Ram Gopal Mishra's murder: What the court said and how the 2024 police statement is being misleadingly used to point fingers at the judge
