16-Year Fugitive in 2007 Gorakhpur Riots Arrested

In a significant development, Mohammad Shamim, a convicted fugitive and the prime accused in the 2007 communal riots in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested and subsequently sent to prison. His capture comes after a staggering 16 years of evading authorities, having been released on bail.

The roots of this tumultuous saga trace back to January 2007 when communal clashes erupted in Gorakhpur. The catalyst for these clashes was the tragic killing of a Hindu man, Rajkumar Agrahari, during a Muharram procession in the Kotwali area of the city. Agrahari fell victim to a brutal attack with swords and knives, carried out by Mohammad Shamim and his associates. This gruesome incident ignited widespread communal tension throughout Gorakhpur.

Following the murder of Rajkumar Agrahari, a criminal case was registered, leading to the arrest of Mohammad Shamim and his father. However, in a twist of fate, Shamim managed to secure bail in August 2007, subsequently eluding law enforcement for over a decade. It wasn't until 2012 that justice caught up with him when a court sentenced both Shamim and his father, Shafiqullah, to life imprisonment in connection with the murder case.

During his years on the run, it was discovered that Shamim had sought refuge in Chennai after his release on bail in 2007. However, he eventually returned to Gorakhpur, where he quietly settled into a rented house in the Nizampur locality within the Kotwali area. It was information about his presence in this area that led to his eventual arrest.

Remarkably, Shamim's father, Shafiqullah, was already serving his prison sentence during his son's time as a fugitive. The arrest of Mohammad Shamim has brought a long-awaited sense of closure to a painful chapter in the history of Gorakhpur, where communal riots had left scars on the community for years.

The apprehension of the prime accused serves as a testament to the persistence and dedication of law enforcement agencies in their quest for justice, even after the passage of many years. It also underscores the importance of accountability in cases of communal violence, ultimately reaffirming the principle that justice delayed is not justice denied.

Also Read: Haryana Congress MLA Arrested in Connection with Nuh Communal Clashes Accusations

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