"Strict action is taken against them": BJP leader Kirti Vardhan Singh on Bahraich encounter

"What happened in Bahraich was unfortunate, and such incidents should not occur. When these incidents happen, they provoke political reactions, but our government will ensure that the accused are not spared, strict action is taken against them, and such incidents are prevented in the future," Singh said.

Of the five arrested in connection with the Bahraich violence, two were injured during an encounter, while the remaining three were taken into custody, according to Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, who also stated that the situation is now under control.

The two accused, Sarfaraz and Mohammad Talib, were shot in the leg by Uttar Pradesh Police while attempting to flee to Nepal, the police confirmed.

"When the police were taking the five arrested accused for weapons recovery near the India-Nepal border, Sarfaraz and Talib tried to escape. Shots were fired as they attempted to flee, resulting in their injuries. Abdul Hameed, Fahim, and Abdul Afzal were also arrested. A total of five accused are now in custody, and the situation is under control," DGP Kumar explained.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav criticised the state government, accusing it of using encounters to mask its failures.

"This incident was an administrative failure. The government is conducting encounters to cover up its shortcomings. If encounters were improving law and order, Uttar Pradesh would be ahead of most states. If permission was granted for the procession, why wasn't it carried out peacefully? If they can't handle such a small event, how can we trust them to maintain law and order in the state? What happened was unfortunate, and such incidents should not occur. We stand with the families of the victims and will ensure they receive justice. The government is using a divide-and-rule strategy. This incident wasn't spontaneous; it was planned," Yadav said.

The Congress party also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government, attributing the Bahraich violence to failures by both the state government and the administration.

UP Congress President Ajay Rai remarked, "The government has been staging fake encounters for some time. They are merely trying to cover up their failures."

SP Bahraich, Vrinda Shukla, clarified that the police acted in self-defence, which led to the injuries.

"When the police team went to the Nanpara area to recover the murder weapon, Sarfaraz alias Rinku and Talib alias Sablu were armed with a loaded weapon, which they fired at the police. The police retaliated in self-defence, injuring the two. They are currently receiving treatment. We have also arrested the other three accused. All five are now officially in custody, and strict action will be taken against them. A search is ongoing for the remaining accused," she said.

Ramgopal Mishra was killed, and several others were injured after clashes between two communities erupted during the Durga idol immersion procession in the Mahasi area of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. (ANI)