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Lakhimpur: Eight people died in the UP district on Sunday.
New Delhi:
Law must take its course against “whoever is involved”, the Supreme Court said today as it came down heavily on the UP government over the Lakhimpur violence amid countrywide outrage. “We are not satisfied with the action so far,” the court said.
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“What is the message that you are sending? Even in normal circumstances… will the police not go immediately and arrest the accused. Things have not proceeded the way they should have. It appears to be only words and not actions,” Chief Justice NV Ramana said in a sharp rebuke. Lawyer Harish Salve, representing the UP government, admitted, “I agree that enough has not been done.”
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Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son, Ashish, is an accused in the murder case. Farmers have said in an FIR that he drove into a gathering of demonstrators amid a peaceful black flag protest on Sunday, killing eight people, including four farmers. He is yet to be arrested and he skipped the questioning in the case today. He was summoned for the first time amid allegations he is being shielded.
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“Treat the accused the same way we treat other persons in other cases,” the Chief Justice said today.
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“Hear the matter after court reopens. If there is not enough process by then then transfer to CBI,” Mr Salve told the court.
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To this, the Chief Justice replied, “Mr Salve we have respect for you. We hope the state will take necessary steps. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, we are not making comments. The CBI can also not be given the matter for reasons you understand…because of the persons involved. We will take up the issue after courts reopen (post Dussehra). The authorities must act.”
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The state government – which was questioned on Thursday about the arrests in the case – submitted a status report today, underlining that it “is taking all steps to ensure a free and fair investigation.” Two people have been arrested in the case, the court was told.
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Calling the Lakhimpur violence “extremely unfortunate”, the UP government said, “another FIR (has been filed) on allegations that the protesting and rioting farmers killed four persons.” Families of the farmers who died have been given Rs 45 lakh by the state government, the report said.
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“We have seen the details of the SIT (Special Investigation Team). You have DIG, Superintendent of Police, circle officers. All these are local people. This is what happens when all are local people,” the Chief Justice said today.
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On the death of a farmer, who protesters have alleged was shot during the violence, Mr Salve today told the court: “Post-mortem did not show any bullet wounds. The manner in which the car was driven the allegations are true. It is possibly 302 (section of murder).”
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Chief Justice Ramana said, “We expect responsible government and police. The allegations are very serious including gunshot injuries. Section 302(section of murder). Will (the) accused not be treated the same way?” When Justice Hima Kohli asked Mr Salve: “Possibly?”, he replied, “I said possibly because I don’t want the accused to say tomorrow that I made up my mind even before he appeared. Evidence is strong. If evidence is true then its section 302.”
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