Lakhimpur Kheri case: Farmers killed as part of ‘planned conspiracy’, says police

Mangalore Today News Network

Lucknow, Dec 14, 2021: The Special Investigation team probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident, in which eight people lost their lives, has said that there was a planned conspiracy to murder protesting farmers.

 

In light of their findings, investigators have written to a judge to modify the charges against the accused, including Union Minster of State Ajay Misra’s son, Ashish Misra.

Before filing a chargesheet in the case, the police have applied for removal of Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 304A (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), section 279 (negligent driving), and section 338 (causing grievous hurt) against all accused.

On Ashish Misra, the SIT has sought permission to apply section 307 (attempt to murder), section 326 (causing hurt with dangerous weapon), section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and section 3/25 Arms Act.

In the application filed in the court, investigator Vidya Ram Diwakar has stated that the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri was not an accident or culpable homicide, but a planned conspiracy of attempt to murder while being armed with weapons.

The Lakhimpur district court has summoned all the accused to court on Tuesday.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre’s three farm laws was staging a demonstration against the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3. Two BJP workers, a driver in the employ of Ajay Misra, and a journalist were killed in the ensuing violence.

Ashish Misra and other accused in the case are currently in police custody.

Courtesy:India Today