Lakhimpur Kheri: SC takes suo motu cognisance of violence that left four farmers dead

THE Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the violence that broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri when farmers had gathered there to protest against the three contentious farm laws, to block the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya from visiting.

A three-judge led by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana will hear the matter on October 7.

The protesting farmers claimed the violence broke out after a car in the minister's convoy ran over protesters. Visuals from the area showed arson and vehicles being set on fire. Eight people, including four farmers, were killed in the incident, NDTV reported.

A murder case has been registered against Mishra's son and several others. Opposition party leaders had been barred by the UP Police from visiting the area till Wednesday evening, when the cremation of all those who died was completed. Indian National Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, who wanted to visit the families of the victims, was denied entry to Lakhimpur Kheri, and was instead detained under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from Monday till Wednesday.

The UP government has announced that Rs 45 lakh will be given to each of the families of those who died, along with a government job to a member of each family. Those injured will be given Rs 10 lakh.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in parts of the violence-hit district, where restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people, has also been imposed, according to officials, reported NDTV.