Violence erupted during a farmers’ protest claiming the lives of nine people, including farmers and BJP workers at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh on October 3. The incident occurred ahead of the visit of Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The violence evoked a sharp response from the opposition as the likes of Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and other leaders reached the site and are demanding justice for farmers. Pics/Pallav Paliwal and PTI.
Updated On: 2021-10-06 10:29 AM IST
Farmer leaders have alleged that Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra, was in one of the cars which they said knocked down some protesters who were opposing deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit.
A murder case has been filed against Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra’s son, Ashish Mishra. Several other people have also been named in the First Information Report (FIR).
However, Union Minister Ajay Mishra claimed that three BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death by 'some elements' during farmers' protest in Lakhimpur Kheri. The Uttar Pradesh government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, has ordered a judicial inquiry under a retired high court judge and announced a compensation of Rs 45 lakh for kin of farmers, who lost lives during the clashes.
On October 3, Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders were detained by Uttar Pradesh police while entering Lakhimpur Kheri district, citing the law and order situation.
On October 4, in a video released by the Congress, Priyanka Gandhi was seen sweeping the floor of a room where she was apparently kept during detention. She also went on a hunger strike following detention.
Priyanka Gandhi has alleged that she was being held illegally at the PAC compound in Sitapur and no notice or FIR has been provided to her even after 38-hour detention and was not allowed to meet her legal counsel. The UP Police has booked Priyanka Gandhi, Deepender Hooda, and other Congress leaders under sections related to preventive custody due to apprehension of breach of peace.
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said that if the law was equal for everyone then why should Priyanka Gandhi be in jail while the 'minister' roamed about free. The Sena leader also met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar drew a parallel between the Lakhimpur Kheri incident and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and said people will show the BJP its place and the party will have to pay a heavy price for the violence in UP district.