Bahraich communal violence: Fact-checking claims around Ram Gopal Mishra’s death

The death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has ignited communal tensions and fueled misinformation on social media about the circumstances surrounding his death. News reports indicate that Mishra was killed during clashes between two communities at a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in the city of Bahraich.

Sudhir Chaudhary, a consulting editor for Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, claimed on his show 'Black & White' that Mishra’s toenails were pulled out, he was attacked with a sharp object to the head, had multiple wounds near his eyes, and was given electric shocks prior to his death.

Similarly, a Zee News video report alleged that the post-mortem revealed these “brutalities.” Other outlets, including Dainik Jagran, Jansatta, ETV Bharat, Organiser, and social media users (see here and here), made similar claims.

Headlines published by news outlets on the death of Ram Gopal Mishra (Source: EtvBharat/Jagran/Jansatta/OrganiserWeekly/Screenshots)

The post-mortem report, however, states that ‘excessive bleeding from a gunshot’ was the cause of Mishra’s death. Bahraich Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sanjay Kumar confirmed this, noting that there was no mention of electric shocks, nail-pulling, or knife attacks. The report does mention that Mishra had around 40 pellet wounds, two of which exited his body near his neck. The official cause of death was shock and hemorrhage due to these wounds.

What does the post-mortem report say?

The post-mortem listed eight injuries:

-  Twenty-nine entry wounds on the chest

-  Two entry wounds on the right arm

-  Three entry wounds on the left arm

-  Six entry wounds on the face

-  Two exit wounds on the nape of the neck

-  A small laceration on the forehead above the left eyebrow

-  Two deep burn injuries on the tips of the left and right toes 

What did the Chief Medical Officer say?

When contacted, Bahraich CMO Sanjay Kumar emphasized that the cause of death was excessive bleeding and shock due to the pellet wounds. He dismissed claims of electric shocks and knife wounds, though he acknowledged marks on the forehead and toes, the cause of which remained uncertain.

“Whatever was observed on the deceased's body is documented in the post-mortem report,” he added.

When asked about claims that Mishra’s eyes were gouged out, he reiterated that everything was already in the report.

What insights does the forensic expert provide?

Logically Facts consulted Dr. Unmesh AK, a forensic surgeon in Kerala, who reviewed the post-mortem report. He confirmed that it made no mention of electric shocks or multiple stab wounds, as claimed in the media. 

He noted the report described 40 pellet wounds, including one exit wound, under the first five injuries. Additionally, "the post-mortem mentions a small lacerated wound on the forehead above the left eyebrow. This injury is not indicative of attempts to gouge out eyes," Dr. Unmesh explained. The cause of death in the report is stated as ‘shock and hemorrhage due to antemortem gunshot.’ He clarified that "shock" referred to the body’s response to excessive bleeding, not an electric shock. The cause of the burn injuries on the toe remained uncertain, and it is unlikely to be a part of the gunshot.

Bahraich police refute viral claims

As misinformation about Mishra’s death spread, Bahraich police issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) debunking the rumors. They stated that claims of electric shocks, nail-pulling, and attacks with a sword were false and aimed at disturbing communal harmony.

“The cause of death was found to be a gunshot in the postmortem. Except for one person, no one else died in this incident,” the police said.

The statement issued by Bahraich police (Source: X/bahraichpolice/Screenshot)

What happened in Bahraich?

On October 13, clashes erupted between two communities during a Durga Puja procession in Mahsi, Bahraich District. According to The Economic Times, tensions escalated when a crowd played music outside a mosque, prompting objections from local Muslim residents. The argument turned violent, leading to arson and the death of Mishra, who was reportedly shot and dragged. Enraged mobs set fire to shops, houses, and vehicles, prompting police to use lathi charge and tear gas to control the situation.

A BBC report noted that Muslim homes, businesses, and shops were targeted, with more than two dozen properties set ablaze.

On October 17, police shot and injured two suspects, Sarfaraz and Taleem, near the Handa Basehri Canal as they allegedly attempted to flee to Nepal. The two accused were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

Edited by Sanyukta Dharmadhikari and Nitish Rampal