Hearing on Lakhimpur Violence Case to be held in Supreme Court today
The third hearing in the Lakhimpur violence case will be held in the Supreme Court today. A bench of CJI NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Hima Kohli is not satisfied with the investigation of the UP government so far. After the hearing today, the investigation can be handed over to another agency. During the last hearing (October 26), the court had directed the Yogi government to provide protection to the witnesses of the violence and asked to file a status report. Apart from this, the court had also asked to file a separate status report on the investigation into the murder of journalist Raman Kashyap and BJP leader Shyam Sundar in the violence. During this, the Supreme Court had also asked many questions to the UP government.
Thousands of farmers were present during the rally in Lakhimpur
UP government's lawyer Harish Salve said that the statements of 30 witnesses have been recorded before the magistrate. Of these, 23 are eyewitnesses. There are a few others that have to be declared. After this, the bench asked that thousands of farmers were present during the rally in Lakhimpur and you got only 23 eyewitnesses? Harish Salve said that by giving a public advertisement, we have asked that all the eyewitnesses should come forward.
Recorded statements of the witnesses
Salve had asked that can we show you some recorded statements of the witnesses on the sealed cover? We will give details to the court next time. The CJI said there is also an issue with the security of witnesses. Salve said security was being provided to them.
On October 20, the court had expressed displeasure
On October 20, the UP government's lawyer Harish Salve had filed the investigation report. The Chief Justice had said, 'If you give the report at the last minute, how will we be able to read it? Must be given at least one day in advance. The court also asked why the UP government did not take the statements of other witnesses in this case. The court said that you have examined only 4 witnesses out of 44 so far, why so? It seems that the UP Police was withdrawing from the investigation of the matter. Correct this image. The court further said that your SIT can understand who are the weakest witnesses and they can be attacked, then why have only 4 witnesses' statements been recorded till now?
These 6 questions were asked by the court
How many people have been arrested so far?
How many people are in police custody and how many are in jail?
Are those who are in jail not in need of police custody anymore?
Those who are in judicial custody, have not sought police custody?
Why are the statements of only 4 witnesses recorded so far?
Ashish Mishra is the main accused
Let us inform you that on October 3, 8 people, including 4 farmers, were killed in the violence in Lakhimpur. Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra is the main accused in this case. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the matter.