Lakhimpur Kheri violence: Death toll reaches 9; murder case registered
The death toll in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence has reached nine after the body of a local journalist, who had been missing after Sunday's violence, was found Monday morning. The Tinkunia Police in Lakhimpur Kheri has lodged an FIR against Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son, Ashish Mishra, and 13 others for murder and inciting violence. Here are more details.
Four farmers, 5 others died in the violence
At least four farmers and five others died in the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri during a farmers' protest on Sunday. The farmers allegedly died after being run over by a convoy of three SUVs, including one vehicle owned by Mishra and allegedly driven by Ashish. The deceased farmers were identified as Sukhwinder Singh (20), Satnam Singh (20), Hari Singh (35), and Subba Singh (65).
Others died in the ensuing violence: Police
Others reportedly died in the ensuing violence that erupted after the incident. Notably, angry farmers burned down three cars, including Ashish's. "Out of the eight, four were farmers, and the remaining four were others who were in the vehicles," Uttar Pradesh DGP Mukul Goyal said.
Mishra dismisses incident as 'conspiracy'
Meanwhile, MoS Ajay Mishra slammed the entire incident, describing it as a "conspiracy." He further claimed that his son was not even present at the spot when the incident took place. According to Mishra, his own vehicle, which was being driven by his driver, was pelted with stones, due to which it overturned and two farmers came underneath it.
CM cancels visit to Shravasti, Bahraich; promises thorough probe
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath canceled his scheduled visit to Shravasti and Bahraich districts on Monday due to the violence. The CM also promised a thorough investigation into the incident and said, "Such incidents are unfortunate. The government will ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and the involvement of anti-social elements is brought to light. We will take strict action against those involved."
Internet suspended in Lakhimpur Kheri; Section 144 imposed
The situation remains tense in Lakhimpur Kheri in the aftermath of the incident. Reportedly, the state government has suspended internet in the Lakhimpur district, while all roads leading to the region have been sealed. Section 144, banning gatherings of over four people, has been imposed. However, several farmers are still protesting with the bodies of the deceased farmers.
Opposition leaders detained across UP
Separately, state authorities have been prohibiting Opposition leaders from visiting the scene of the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was stopped by the police on her way to Lakhimpur Kheri and detained. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, too, was stopped from going out of his residence Monday morning. Later, Yadav was detained while staging a protest outside his house.
Opposition using the incident for political tourism: UP Minister
UP Minister Sidharth Nath Singh slammed the Opposition for using the incident for "political tourism." He said, "We're taking this matter seriously, and it is under investigation...Opposition is using the incident for political tourism, and political competition as polls are around the corner."
