A major revelation has surfaced in the high-voltage gang war that took place in Gorakhpur on the day of Chhath Mahaparv. The investigation has found that those involved in the firing belonged to two gangs — the AK-47 Gang and the Red Gang. Most members of both groups are teenagers and young adults who operate through WhatsApp groups and gather for violence at just a single message. Police have arrested 22 accused so far, including 7 minors who have been sent to a juvenile correction home. Three more accused were arrested on Tuesday.
How the gangs formed and split
According to the police investigation, Mahavir, a resident of Maharajganj, created a WhatsApp group by bringing together educated youths from the area. Initially, the purpose of the group was mutual support. However, over time, youths with criminal tendencies joined the group. It soon became a trend that whenever someone faced a problem, a message in the group would prompt members to gather and start a brawl.
After Mahavir’s death in 2025, a dispute over leadership erupted. Differences grew, and the group split into two factions — one calling itself the AK-47 Gang, while the other adopted the name Red Gang. They began competing with each other on social media, threatening and trying to humiliate each other. Members of the AK-47 Gang got AK-47 tattoos on their bikes and bodies, whereas members of the Red Gang kept red-colored hair for identification.
Clash on Chhath: From hockey sticks to bullets
On October 27, during Chhath at Akathawa in PPGanj, both groups came face-to-face. The atmosphere turned violent within moments. Fights broke out using hockey sticks and wooden rods, followed by firing from illegal weapons. A video of the incident surfaced, showing the involvement of minors, too.
When the matter reached Lucknow, the police swung into action. Under the direction of Gorakhpur DIG S. Chanappa, police teams from PPGanj and Paniyara in Maharajganj launched a joint operation, resulting in several arrests.
Police action
In the latest development, police arrested Sunny Kanaujia of Domra (Paniyara), Balkishun of Baluwa, and Sachin Yadav of Muhaddinpur. One of the accused had an “AK-47” tattoo on his hand. Earlier, on November 3, ten other miscreants had been arrested.
The Campierganj CO and PPGanj SHO have been removed for negligence. To nab the absconding accused, police from both districts have set up a temporary camp at Akathawa Bridge. They are questioning families during the day and conducting raids throughout the night.
Strict social media monitoring
Following the incident, police have increased surveillance on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. Officials have clearly stated that anyone involved in inciting violence or associated with such groups will face strict action. Tension continues in the village, which remains under police security.
Statement from SP North
SP North Jitendra Kumar Srivastava said that arrests are being made after identifying accused individuals through video footage. “Those disrupting law and order will not be spared, and the absconding accused will also be arrested soon,” he asserted.
This incident highlights how social media-driven gang culture has deeply penetrated even small towns and villages, dragging minors into dangerous criminal activities. Police remain engaged in consistent action to curb this growing menace.
