Lakhimpur Kheri violence: PIL in Allahabad HC asks for CBI probe; says UP's law and order 'in great danger'

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, October 5

A letter PIL in the Allahabad High Court asks for a probe by either the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that killed eight people, Bar and Bench reported on Tuesday.

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Four of the eight killed were mowed down by a four-wheeler, allegedly driven by the son of a union minister, Ajay Kumar Mishra. Four others were allegedly killed in the violence that followed.

The petition in the Allahabad High Court moved by an NGO, Swadesh and Prayagraj Legal Aid Clinic, says the fact that the incident took place despite the fact that the state machinery tightens security before any VIP movement, Bar and Bench reported.

Live Law reported that the moved through advocate Gaurav Dwivedi on behalf of the NGO says that the Uttar Pradesh government failed to save the lives of the people who died.

”Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees citizens right to life and personal liberty. State machinery has failed to secure lives of eight persons who died in a dreadful manner,” the plea said, according to Bar and Bench.

The petition says that the incident shows the law and order of Uttar Pradesh, “where by the help of the police and the intelligence force i.e. Local Inspection Unit keep an eye on security measures before any VIP movement but an incident which took place in Lakhimpur Kheri opened (sic) the real and the neglected behaviour of securities (sic) agencies against VIP movement as well as against protesters”.

The letter also said the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh was in great danger and there could be consequences if preventive action isn't taken soon, Bar and Bench reported.

The petition also asked for suspension of the Director General of Police, Lakhimpur District Magistrate, Lakhimpur Kheri Commissioner, SSP, and the SHO of Tikonia Banbirpur Road. The petition also asks for an independent judicial inquiry.