India SC unhappy as minister's son accused of killing UP farmers roam free

The top Indian court has said that it was not satisfied with the steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government in the investigation of the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence that killed eight people including four farmers and a journalist, reported ANI.

“What is the message that we are sending?” the court asked on Friday, according to Live Law. “In normal circumstances, if a 302 case [murder] is registered, what will the police do? Go and arrest the accused.”

This development comes as a minister’s son, whose SUV reportedly ploughed through protesting farmers on October 3, is yet to be arrested amid calls from the victim’s families and opposition leaders. 

On Thursday, the court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on the first information reports filed in connection with the violence.

Also Read - Indian minister admits SUV that ran over farmers belonged to him

The eight deaths took place after violence erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri district on October 3 during a protest against the Centre’s contentious agricultural laws.

Farmer bodies have alleged that a vehicle of Asish Mishsra, the son of junior home minister Ajay Mishra, which was part of a convoy in the spot then, ran over the protestors. Despite admitting that the vehicle belonging to him, Ajay repeatedly claimed that nether him nor his son was there. 

The police have booked Ashish Mishra on multiple charges, including murder and criminal conspiracy. However, he has not been arrested yet.

The police on Thursday summoned Mishra for questioning on Friday but he did not appear before them.

A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justices Hima Kohli and Surya Kant was hearing the matter after two Uttar Pradesh-based lawyers sought the Supreme Court’s intervention.