A Bahraich court on Thursday awarded death sentence to a 25-year-old prime accused and life imprisonment to nine others in a year-old case related to the killing of a 22-year-old man during a Durga idol immersion procession and subsequent communal clashes in Maharajganj village.The victim, Ram Gopal Mishra, was killed and several others were injured during a clash between two communities.Defence Counsel Mukhtar Alam said that the court awarded the death sentence to Sarfaraz alias Rinku while his father and two brothers received life imprisonment.Earlier on Tuesday, the trial court had held the 10 accused persons guilty on multiple charges, including rioting, murder and attempted murder. Three others were acquitted for the lack of evidence.From the Archives | Day after youth killed, Bahraich tense, Internet suspendedOn Thursday, all the accused — who belong to the same community — were brought to the court from Bahraich jail under heavy security.“After hearing arguments from both sides on the question of sentencing, the court awarded life imprisonment to nine accused and awarded death sentence to main accused Sarfaraz alias Rinku,” said PK Singh, Additional District Government Counsel, Bahraich.Singh said that the weapon used in the crime has been recovered from Sarfaraz’s possession.Story continues below this adHe said that the court examined 12 prosecution witnesses and five defence witnesses during the trial.Meanwhile, Defence Counsel Mukhtar Alam said, “We will file an appeal against the judgment.”Alam said that except for a few, most of the accused had been out on bail.Sarfaraz’s father Abdul Hameed and his two brothers Talib alias Sabloo and Faheem are among those who were awarded life imprisonment, Alam said.Story continues below this ad“After the court convicted them, they were taken into custody and sent to jail,” he added.According to the prosecution, the case dates back to October 13, 2024.The clash allegedly started when a Durga idol immersion procession was passing through a Maharajganj village in Mahsi tehsil and members of a community asked that the music be turned off as the procession passed near their homes and a mosque.This led to a heated argument between members of the two communities.Story continues below this adThe situation escalated when gunshots were allegedly fired, and Ram Gopal, who had allegedly climbed onto the top of the house of the prime accused to assess the situation, sustained a bullet injury. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.Following the firing, the clashes escalated and stone-pelting broke out between the two communities, during which several properties — including shops, houses and business establishments — were set ablaze.The violence escalated the next day, with protesters demanding stringent punishment for the murder culprits. Police eventually used force to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control.A case in connection with the incident was registered at Hardi police station based on the complaint filed by Ram Gopal’s brother, Hari Milan. In his complaint, he alleged that Ram Gopal had gone to witness the idol immersion procession when he was allegedly dragged into the house of accused Abdul Hameed and shot dead. He had alleged that his brother was also attacked with swords.Story continues below this adIn the aftermath of the incident, prohibitory orders were implemented in place, Internet services remained suspended and barricades were set up to prevent outsiders from entering.