Lakhimpur Kheri: Not satisfied with the steps taken by UP govt, says Supreme Court

In the apex court hearing today, October 8, the bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said it was not satisfied with the proceedings of the state government. Meanwhile, Ashish Mishra, accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings, has failed to appear before the UP police today. It is being said that the accused has escaped to Nepal.

Gaon Connection
| Updated: October 8th, 2021

The Supreme Court of India has come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh government on the steps taken by it in connection with the Lakhmipur Kheri killings on October 8 in which eight people were killed.

Yesterday, the apex court had asked the state to file a status report on the investigation, with information about the accused and the arrests made. Late last evening, the Uttar Pradesh police issued a notice to the accused Ashish Mishra, son of the Union minister of state for home affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, to appear before the police at 10 am today on October 8.

However, Ashish Mishra has failed to appear. It is being said that the accused has escaped to Nepal.

Also Read: Has Ashish Mishra, accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, escaped to Nepal?

In the apex court hearing today, the bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said it was not satisfied with the proceedings of the state government. “When there’s serious allegation of 302 [murder], how accused will be treated? Sending notice like please come please tell us?” asked the CJI to senior advocate Harish Salve who appeared for the state government today.

“Treat him same way we treat other persons in other cases. Not that we have sent notice, please come etc. We expect responsible government and police working. What is the message that we are sending. In normal circumstances if 302 case is registered what will police do? Go and arrest the accused!” said the bench.

Salve, the advocate appearing for the state, said that “Further developments have been, young man against whom allegations have been made. We have given him notice. He has to show up at 11 am tomorrow [October 9]. If he doesn’t, rigour of law would be against him.” The advocate assured the bench that whatever has been shortfall will be filled up between today and tomorrow.

However, the bench said it wasn’t satisfied. ” We’ve heard Sr Adv Salve, he explained steps taken filed by State & status report was also filed. However we are not satisfied by steps taken by state,” said the bench.

The matter is to be now heard on October 20 as first case.