Lakhimpur Kheri News LIVE Updates: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was detained and Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav sat on dharna outside his residence as Lakhimpur Kheri turned into a fortress a day after eight people were killed during a farmers’ protest yesterday over a statement made by Minister of State Ajay Mishra Teni at an event earlier in the day. The death toll in the incident also rose to nine as a local journalist missing since yesterday succumbed to his injuries. Reports said the violence broke out after two SUVs allegedly ran over a four anti-farm law protesters over a statement made by Minister of state Ajay Mishra Teni, who was on his way to his village after a programme of UP Deputy CM Keshav Maurya in Lakhimpur city. After the incident, angry farmers present at the spot allegedly torched a vehicle belonging to the minister’s convoy. UP DGP Mukul Goel said total 8 persons died in the incident. “Out of the eight, four were farmers and the remaining four were others who were in the vehicles,” he said, also appealing for peace to be maintained and assured that action would be taken against culprits.
According to the district magistrate, the four deceased farmers have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh (20), Satnam Singh (20), Hari Singh (35) and Subba Singh (65). All belong to Bahraich and Kheri districts. Farmers have alleged that Teni’s son Ashish Mishra was driving the vehicle which ran over the farmers. Teni, reacting to allegations, said his son was not even present at the spot when the incident took place. He slammed the entire incident and called it a “conspiracy”, adding that his own vehicle, which was being driven by his driver, was pelted with stones due to which it overturned and two farmers came underneath.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the happenings, and said, “Such incidents are unfortunate. The government will ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and the involvement of anti-social elements is brought to light. We will take strict action against those involved.” Internet services were shut in Lakhimpur as tension prevails in the aftermath of the incident. Borders around Lucknow were also sealed on all the roads leading to Lakhimpur.
The incident has kicked off a political storm, with opposition leaders alleging violence on farmers. A delegation of the Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi party leader Akhilesh Yadav, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait, and Chhatisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi will visit the district today.
