The horrific incident that has sent shockwaves through the state of Uttar Pradesh, 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was brutally murdered by an Islamist mob on October 13, 2024, in Bahraich. The killing occurred after Mishra replaced an already installed green flag with a saffron one in the house of Abdul Hamid, following an altercation during a religious procession.
The procession, part of a Durga Visarjan, was passing through the streets of Maharajganj when tensions escalated near a mosque. According to eyewitnesses, the violence began when the Hindu side playing DJ music was attacked by local Muslims, who objected to the music and began pelting stones. In the ensuing chaos, the murti of Maa Durga was desecrated by the mob, further inflaming the situation.
Gruesome details emerge from post-mortem report
Shocking details from the post-mortem report have revealed the extent of the barbarity inflicted on Ram Gopal Mishra. As per official sources, Mishra was shot with Abdul Hamid’s licensed gun. After being shot, Mishra was subjected to electric shocks and torture, which included the brutal act of pulling out his toenails. He was also attacked with sharp weapons, and a pointed object was thrust near his eyes. The electric shocks reportedly caused a brain haemorrhage, which, along with excessive bleeding, ultimately led to his death.
Mishra’s wife confirmed the horrific details of the torture, expressing deep anguish over the savagery that her husband had to endure. The police, after recovering the body, sent a report to revoke the license of Abdul Hamid’s gun, which was allegedly used in the killing.
Blood-stained evidence and attempts to recover the body
Further evidence found at the scene paints a chilling picture of the events leading up to Mishra’s death. Dainik Bhaskar reported that bloodstains and shattered glass bottles were discovered on the roof of Abdul Hamid’s house, suggesting that glass bottles were used to assault Mishra before he was shot.
As if the brutality was not enough, when Mishra’s family and friends attempted to retrieve his body, they were met with further violence. According to eyewitnesses, Abdul Hamid and his companions opened fire and pelted stones at those who came to collect Mishra’s remains. Rajan and Krishna, friends of Mishra who were part of the procession, were also dragged inside the house during the attack, intensifying the already volatile situation.
Eyewitness accounts paint a disturbing picture
Ground reporters have collected several firsthand accounts from the fateful day. Sudhakar Tiwari, who was attacked alongside Mishra, recalled, “People from the mosque attacked us without any warning.”
Abhishek, another participant in the Durga Visarjan procession, recounted the moment the situation spiralled out of control: “The procession reached in front of Abdul Hamid’s house. His family members objected to the music and cut the DJ’s wire, breaking it. Soon after, more people joined them, and they began shouting slogans against Hindu dharma. A voice from inside one of the houses shouted, ‘Catch them!’ They pulled Rajan and Krishna inside the house. Ram Gopal tried to escape by jumping onto a roof. He saw a flag and replaced it with a saffron one.”
Pappu, a resident whose house was adjacent to Abdul Hamid’s, confirmed the chaotic sequence of events. “On the evening of the 13th, around 20-25 people stormed into our house and rushed to the roof. Ram Gopal was among them. He jumped onto Abdul’s roof and removed the flag, waving the saffron flag in its place.”
Pappu’s daughter, Neha, witnessed the final moments of Mishra’s life: “While Ram Gopal was waving the flag, three people from Abdul’s house came up and dragged him down. They shot him right there on the spot.”
Criminal background and escape to Nepal
The situation took another dark turn when it was revealed that Abdul Hamid’s eldest son, Sarfaraz, has a criminal history and is a known history-sheeter. Locals claim that Sarfaraz was involved in orchestrating the violence and fled to Nepal along with his family immediately after the incident. Reports suggest that Abdul Hamid’s family has connections in Nepal, where they are currently hiding.
The violent mob attack, along with the subsequent escape of the perpetrators, has sparked widespread outrage across the state. The police have been heavily deployed in the area to maintain law and order, and efforts are underway to apprehend the rioters who remain at large.
Government’s response
In response to the incident, Ram Gopal Mishra’s family met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who assured them that strict action would be taken against those responsible. “This act of barbarism will not go unpunished. Justice will be served,” the Chief Minister reportedly told the grieving family.
The shocking murder of Ram Gopal Mishra has reignited debates over communal tensions in the region, with sections of society blaming the provocation on both sides. However, the graphic details of the torture and post-mortem findings have stirred the public’s emotions, calling for justice and accountability for the heinous crime.
