Ashish Mishra, son of a union minister, is accused of crushing farmers at a rally.
new Delhi:
The Uttar Pradesh government had “strongly opposed” the bail application of Ashish Mishra, son of Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni, accused of trampling farmers during March 1 last year. Easy off and not protecting a witness.
In response to a petition challenging Mr Mishra’s bail in the Lakhimpur Kheri case, the Uttar Pradesh government today filed its reply in the Supreme Court stating that the decision to file an appeal against the bail is “under consideration before the authorities concerned”.
It said, “The allegation of not opposing the bail to Ashish Mishra in the Allahabad High Court is completely false. The UP government strongly opposed the bail application.”
Denying allegations that a witness was attacked in the Lakhimpur Kheri case, the Uttar Pradesh government has said that he was attacked over a personal dispute related to throwing colors on Holi.
It also countered allegations that the attackers had threatened that now that the BJP has won the UP elections, they will “take care” of it.
Sarkar said, “Witnesses of the quarrel say that no such statement has been given… Security is being provided continuously to all the victims of Lakhimpur violence and the families of the witnesses. The state government has provided armed gunners to the witnesses.” “
“Regular security assessment is being done for the witnesses. In the recent talks, he expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements,” the statement said.
Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli are scheduled to hear tomorrow a petition filed by the relatives of the victims seeking cancellation of bail granted to Ashish Mishra by the Allahabad High Court.
On March 16, the court had issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and Ashish Mishra, seeking their answers as to why their bail should not be cancelled. The court also expressed concern over the issue of assault on a witness.
The Supreme Court in its notice to the state government has also sought a detailed reply on the steps being taken for the protection of witnesses and directed them to ensure their safety.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, had told the Supreme Court that a key witness was brutally assaulted after Ashish Mishra was granted bail and the attackers threatened that now that the BJP has won the UP elections, they do. Take care of him