Form of words:
New Delhi: The Supreme Court slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for its handling of the investigation into the Lakhimpur Kheri deaths on Sunday.
Terming the death of eight people in the incident as a “brutal murder”, the court asked the Uttar Pradesh government whether it treats the accused in other cases in a similar manner.
“Do you treat the accused in the same way in other cases as well?” Chief Justice of India NV Ramana asked senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government. The question came after Salve told the court that the UP government had issued summons to the accused to appear before it at 11 am on Saturday.
Salve then told the court that there were no bullet marks in the postmortem of the deceased. The court, however, asked, “Is this a ground for not taking the accused into custody?”
Eight people, including four farmers, two BJP workers, a driver and a journalist, were killed in clashes on October 3 that followed violence after a convoy of three SUVs – one allegedly of Union Minister of State for Home Ashish Mishra’s son was owned by. Case Ajay Mishra ‘Theni’ – killed a group of protesting farmers, and incited violence.
Salve also said, “The manner in which this car was driven, there is no doubt that the allegations are true. It is probably 302 (Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which provides for punishment for murder). “
The court again retorted saying, “It is a responsible state government and police, when there is a serious allegation of death or bullet injury… Will other accused in this country be treated the same way? Sending them notices like asking them to come please tell us?”
It said, “See what message we are sending. What will the police do if 302 cases are registered under normal circumstances? Go and arrest the accused.”
The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hema Kohli, was hearing a PIL filed on the basis of a letter sent by two advocates Shiv Kumar Tripathi and CS Panda. first case hearing ThursdayWhen the court had sought a status report from the state government.
On Friday, Justice Kant emphasized the seriousness of the matter and said, “It is a brutal murder of 8 people. The law should take its course against all the accused.”
The matter will now come up for hearing after the Dussehra holidays.
‘Evidence must be protected’
CJI Ramana also said that the SIT set up by the government consists of DIGs, superintendents of police, circle officers, etc., adding that they are all “locals”. It then asked the state to direct the Director General of Police to ensure that the evidence is protected.
It then passed the order stating that it was “not satisfied” with the steps taken by the state government so far.
“We are hopeful that the state will take necessary steps and due to the sensitivity of the issue, we are not commenting… they (the state) should take action. It is the responsibility of the state government to take all corrective steps.”
The court also said that the counsel for the state government has assured that it will be apprised of an alternate agency which can investigate the matter.
(Edited by Neha Mahajan)
Read also: Don’t kill the farmer, my son should be a martyr: Father of BJP worker killed in Lakhimpur Kheri
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