After a group of farmers was run over by Union Minister’s car in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, the Supreme Court said it is not satisfied with the Uttar Pradesh government’s probe in the case.
The Supreme Court demanded to know “how many have been arrested” and asked for a status report from the state government.
A countrywide outrage erupted after eight people were killed in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, while farmers were staging a protest against the Centre’s three laws.
The deceased in the case include four farmers and a journalist. The incident led to massive backlash for the UP government which is led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yogi Adityanath.
A bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana also asked the UP government to direct its state police chief to ensure that the evidence in the case is protected till the time another agency takes over.
The top court also questioned the state government over not arresting the accused against whom FIR has been lodged. It then asked whether it treats “accused the same way in other murder cases in the country.” “What is the message you are sending,” asked the bench, which also comprises Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli.
How Many Arrested?
“We need to know whom you registered an FIR against and how many have you arrested,” the Supreme Court told the Yogi Adityanath government.
“In the status report also tell us about the eight persons who have been killed. Farmers, journalist etc. It is an unfortunate incident. Tell us whom you registered FIR against. How many have you arrested,” the Supreme Court questioned.
An FIR has been registered against Ashish Mishra but he has yet to be arrested or even questioned.
Police are investigating the case and a First Information Report (FIR) under section 302 of the IPC has been registered against Ashish Mishra and others in Tikonia police station.