Union minister Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish Mishra on Saturday appeared before the police for questioning in the Lakhimpur violence case, reported ANI.
Lakhimpur Kheri’s Superintendent of Police Vijay Dhull said that updates on Ashish Mishra’s questioning will be given from “time to time”, according to The Indian Express. He did not answer questions on Ashish Mishra’s arrest.
The police had issued summons for him to appear before it for questioning on Friday but the minister’s son skipped it. Later on Friday, the Supreme Court had asked the Uttar Pradesh government why Mishra has not been arrested yet.
Eight people, including four farmers, were killed in violence during a protest against the Centre’s new agricultural laws on October 3 at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. Farmer bodies have alleged that a vehicle which was part of Ajay Mishra’s convoy ran over the protestors.
They have claimed the vehicle belonged to Ashish Mishra, who has been booked on multiple charges, including murder and criminal conspiracy.
Earlier on Saturday, Mishra’s legal advisor Awadhesh Kumar had said that the minister’s son would respect the notice and cooperate in the investigation.
After Mishra failed to appear before police on Friday, the Supreme Court had asked if the police treated every accused person in a murder case this way – by issuing summons. “Treat him same way we treat other persons in other cases,” the chief justice had said.
The court had also said it was not satisfied with the investigation in the case. The government’s counsel had assured the bench that it would correct shortcomings in the inquiry.
On Friday, the Lakhimpur Kheri district administration had suspended internet in the area, according to India Today. The administration had shut down the internet on Wednesday ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit.
Security was also tightened ahead in Lakhimpur Kheri ahead of Mishra’s appearance.
Meanwhile, Youth Congress workers on Saturday staged a protest in Delhi, demanding the arrest of the accused person in the case as well as Ajay Mishra’s resignation.
The Twitter handle of the organisation shared photos of the workers burning effigies and the police later dousing the flames. In photos shared by ANI, the workers can be seen standing atop a police barricade.
The police can be seen pulling down one of the protestors from the barricade.
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