Bahraich Murder Case: Court’s Strict Verdict on the Brutal Killing of Ram Gopal Mishra, Sarfraz Sentenced to Death
The Bahraich district court, on December 11, 2025, sentenced Sarfraz to death for the gunshot murder of Ram Gopal Mishra. This incident had shocked the entire country, and the court extensively highlighted the brutality of the killing in its verdict. Sarfraz’s father Abdul Hamid and his two brothers Faheem and Talib, along with nine others, were sentenced to life imprisonment. The verdict was delivered by First Additional District and Sessions Judge Pawan Kumar Sharma, which included a detailed discussion on the full background of the incident, the barbarity of the attack, and legal aspects.
Background of the Incident: Violence Erupts During Durga Idol Immersion Procession
On October 13, 2024, violence broke out in Maharajganj market in Bahraich during the Durga idol immersion procession. Ram Gopal Mishra had gone to watch the procession with his brother Harimilan Mishra and other relatives. Several idols were placed on tractors and vehicles in the procession, passing through the designated route. As the procession reached in front of Abdul Hamid’s house, objections were raised over the songs playing on the DJ. Earlier, the Ganesh Chaturthi immersion procession had also been stopped at the same spot, but no violence occurred then.
According to witnesses, when Hindus refused to stop the music, the DJ wires were pulled, leading to an immediate scuffle that quickly turned into chaos. Stones, bricks, and bottles were thrown from the rooftop onto the procession. People fled in panic, and shopkeepers closed their shops. In the midst of this, Ram Gopal Mishra was forcibly dragged into Abdul Hamid’s house, and the door was shut. Gunshots were heard from inside, with multiple rounds fired. Ram Gopal was pulled out in a severely injured state but died in the hospital.
The incident spread widespread fear across the district, leading to internet shutdowns and deployment of additional police forces. The court described it as a planned attack on a religious procession, causing prolonged disruption to law and order.
FIR and Investigation Process: Action Initiated on Harimilan Mishra’s Complaint
Ram Gopal Mishra’s brother Harimilan Mishra filed the FIR after the incident, informing police that his brother was dragged into Abdul Hamid’s house by him, his sons, and others, and shot. Some unknown persons were also mentioned in the FIR. The defense raised questions on the FIR’s timing, claiming it was delayed and fabricated, but the court rejected this, stating it was natural to first take the injured to the hospital.
During investigation, police received intelligence that the accused were fleeing towards the Nepal border. On October 17, 2024, Abdul Hamid, Sarfraz, Faheem, and Talib were arrested near an ice cream factory. Interrogation revealed the licensed 12-bore SBBL gun used in the murder, hidden near a canal bridge. During recovery, Sarfraz and Talib attempted to escape and fired at police, who shot them in the legs in self-defense. Forensic reports confirmed the bullets recovered from Ram Gopal’s body matched this weapon.
The court described the investigation as impartial, directly linking the accused to the murder.
Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses Unveil Layers of Brutality
Several eyewitnesses testified during the trial. Harimilan Mishra stated that after Ram Gopal was dragged inside, gunshots were heard. His cousin Rajan Mishra confirmed this and said they took Ram Gopal to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Abhishek Mishra saw Ram Gopal being dragged and noted bullet marks on his body when pulled out. Shashibhushan Awasthi described the violence starting from pulling DJ wires and the panic in the market.
The defense claimed witnesses were biased as relatives, but the court ruled that in public processions, affected people are often acquaintances. Their testimonies were consistent and supported by other evidence, making them credible.
Post-Mortem Report: 40 Wounds, Pulled-Out Nails, and Close-Range Shots
The post-mortem report exposed the horror of the murder. There were 40 wounds on Ram Gopal’s body, including entry and exit marks on chest, neck, face, and upper limbs. Blackening around wounds indicated close-range firing. Burn marks on both feet’s toes caused nails to come off. There was a cut wound above the eyes, cavities in lungs with 2.5 liters of blood, and clots in the heart. Death was due to shock and bleeding.
The court called it cruel, stating so many wounds could not be accidental, rejecting the defense’s claim of firing in chaos.
Defense Arguments: Claims of Provocation and Video Reference
The defense claimed Ram Gopal removed a green flag from Abdul Hamid’s house, visible in videos, constituting provocation. They questioned FIR timing and noted no sharp weapon marks in post-mortem. However, the court ruled that even if the flag was removed, it does not justify barbaric violence. Legal remedies exist, not lynching. The licensed weapon was for self-defense, not attack. Arguments were speculative, lacking evidence.
Court’s Assessment: Unlawful Assembly and Common Intent
The court held the accused part of an unlawful assembly involving objections to the procession, stone-pelting, dragging, and firing—a continuous chain. It rejected claims of sudden or individual act, finding coordinated involvement despite varying roles. Sarfraz’s role fell in the ‘rarest of rare’ category as the murder was cold-blooded.
Basis for Sentence: Social Justice
The court emphasized punishment’s role in justice and social balance. Society remains disciplined through it. Leniency in such cruelty would erode faith in justice.
Sentence Details: Death, Life Imprisonment, and Fines
Sarfraz received death penalty, 8 years rigorous imprisonment, and ₹1,30,000 fine. Abdul Hamid got life imprisonment and ₹1,81,000 fine. Talib, Faheem, Saif Ali, Javed Khan, Mohammad Zeeshan, Shoeb Khan, Nankau, and Maroof Ali received life imprisonment and ₹1,50,000 fine. Khurshid, Shakeel Ahmad, and Mohammad Afzal were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Sentences to run concurrently; death penalty sent for High Court confirmation.
Broader Impact of the Verdict: No Excuse for Provocation
This verdict reminds that religious provocation is no license for violence. The court clarified legal remedies exist, not retaliation. Ram Gopal’s death devastated a family; his marriage was recent. It emphasized religious harmony and adherence to law in society.
