Lakhimpur Kheri violence: SIT issues summons to 12 farmers
Darpan News Desk IANS, 06 Jan, 2022 02:51 PM
Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 6 (IANS) The special investigation team (SIT), has now summoned 12 farmers in connection with the alleged lynching of three BJP workers during the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri that took place on October 3 last year.
Most of these farmers had earlier stated that they were present at the spot but were not involved in the attack. They were, at that time, charged under bailable sections such as 'rioting' and 'voluntarily causing hurt' and were let off by the SIT officials under Section 41 of the CrPC.
Seven farmers have been arrested in the case so far and the SIT is looking for more suspects.
An SIT member said, "We have issued summons to record statements of the farmers who were present on the spot and were part of the mob. A few of them appeared before us earlier but none were arrested."
Advocate Harjeet Singh, who is representing the farmers, said, "A few farmers were earlier summoned for questioning under lenient sections as they were part of the mob but were not involved in the violence. The farmers who received the summons now are the ones who are witnesses in the case of the murder of farmers. We are waiting for the SIT to find the two other accused in the convoy who managed to escape."
Four farmers and a journalist were allegedly mowed down by Union Minister Ajay Misra Teni's son Ashish Misra's convoy.
Angry farmers had then in retaliation allegedly killed three BJP workers and torched two SUVs that were part of the convoy.
Cross FIRs were registered in the case and the SIT submitted a charge sheet in which 14 people, including Ashish, who are in jail for the death of the farmers, were named. Seven farmers have been arrested in the lynching case. The investigation in the latter case is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a copy of the charge sheet filed by the SIT in court against Ashish and 13 others for the deaths of farmers has been given to their counsel Avadesh Kumar Singh. Ashish's bail plea will be heard by the Lucknow High Court on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering during a function to mark the death anniversary of former Punjab minister and Congress leader Santokh Singh Randhawa here, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for re-opening the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev.
In a three page letter written on November 8, Tewari said, "I am requesting Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to kindly ensure 50 per cent reservation granted to Mazhabi Sikhs & Balmikis out of 22.5 per cent way back in 1975, is upheld when matter comes up before a 7 or 9-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court when constituted shortly."
The Supreme Court on Monday sought an action plan within 24 hours from the Centre and state governments, detailing steps taken by task forces to stop air pollution caused by vehicular traffic, construction work, stubble burning, power plants, entry of heavy vehicles, dust, etc.
The Supreme Court on Monday said it will also consider the names of some retired apex court judges to monitor day-to-day investigation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident. The top court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade its task force investigating the matter with some high-ranking officials.
According to the officials, now the foreign travelers will be allowed to visit India without a mandatory quarantine. The government's move came 20 months after the pandemic situation improved in the country.
Gurkirat Singh, who was the chief guest at Punjab Day Function held during the ongoing India International Trade Fair 2021 at Pragati Maidan, also urged the Central government for reopening of Kartarpur Corridor, which has been closed since March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.
