SC's Lakhimpur Observation Makes Need of Independent Probe Clear: Priyanka

Priyanka Gandhi further alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government was standing with those who trampled the farmers.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. 

(File Photo)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Monday, 8 November, said that it was clear from the observation of the Supreme Court that there should be an independent inquiry in order to get justice in the Lakhimpur Kheri case.

She further alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government was standing with those who trampled down the farmers.

The SC on Monday had expressed disappointment over the way the probe in the Lakhimpur Kheri case was proceeding and said that it would appoint a judge from a different state's high court to monitor the investigation till a charge sheet is filed.

“In the Lakhimpur massacre case, it is clear that the Uttar Pradesh government is standing with those who trampled upon the farmers,” Gandhi tweeted in Hindi on Monday.

She further alleged that the "father of the person who is the main accused in trampling upon the farmers (Minister of State for Home) has the protection" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gandhi also reiterated her feelings in a video message uploaded later the same day on Twitter.

SKM Lauds Supreme Court Observations

In a press release on Monday, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) said that the SC had "severely rapped the Uttar Pradesh Government yet again for its patently-biased and shoddy investigation so far".

The umbrella farmers' body added that it was "glad to note that the SC has taken notice of the efforts of the UP BJP Government to hide evidence of the murder of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri."

"Once again, by its observations and actions, the Supreme Court clearly expressed its own apprehension about biased investigation by both the State Government and Union Government, and clearly hinted at justice getting compromised."

SKM statement on SC's Lakhimpur Kheri case observations

The farmers also reiterated their demand for the PM Modi-led government to immediately sack and arrest Ajay Misra Teni, the father of Ashish Misra, the main accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri case.