Lakhimpur Violence: Supreme Court Dissolves SIT Probing The Case, Says Investigation Completed

The Supreme Court on Monday dissolved the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the Lakhimpur violence observing that the investigation was completed, ANI reported. Retire judge of the High Court Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, who was given the responsibility to oversee the case, was relieved by the apex court.

Notably, violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri after four farmers and a journalist were trampled by a vehicle at Banbirpur village near Tikunia in Lakhimpur Kheri district. The car, which mowed down farmers belonged to Ashish Mishra, son of Minister of State (MoS) for Home Ajay Mishra. As a result, two BJP members and a driver were allegedly lynched by the protesters in retaliation.

The incident took place in October 2021 in the backdrop of farmers' protest against three contentious laws formed by the Centre. The protesters were trying to block the visit of UP deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya for a rally. The farmers walking on the road were hit by a speeding Thar. Two other cars, moving behind the Thar, crushed the injured farmers. The furious protesters torched the Thar and Fortuner car. Three of the car occupants were killed while the drivers of a car managed to flee the incident site. Overall eight people were killed in the incident.

The incident intensified the Opposition’s attack on the BJP demanding the resignation of Union Minister Ajay Mishra ‘Teni’ and the subsequent arrest of his son Ashish Mishra. An FIR was registered against him. Union Minister Mishra, however, claimed that the incident involved some anti-social elements disguised as farmers. He also alleged that his son’s convoy was attacked by them.

UP government after deliberations with farmers’ groups announced compensation of Rs 45 lakh each for the families of deceased farmers and Rs 10 lakh each for the injured ones. Supreme Court announced a probe under the chairmanship of a retired judge. Former Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain was appointed as monitoring judge of the probe.

After rigorous questioning, Ashish Mishra ‘Teni’ was arrested for ‘not cooperating’ in the investigation, ANI quoted DIG Upendra Agarwal, as saying.

Later, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court granted bail to Teni. However, the HC decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, which quashed Teni’s bail decision.

Teni was later given interim relief by the apex court. The top court in the latest development in the case extended Ashish Mishra Teni’s interim bail till September 26.