SC appoints former Punjab and Haryana HC judge to monitor Lakhimpur Kheri violence case
The Supreme Court has appointed a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge to monitor the probe into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident.
The Supreme Court has appointed Rakesh Kumar Jain, a former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, to monitor the investigation into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident that claimed the lives of eight people.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said Rakesh Jain will monitor the investigation to ensure "fair and independent" probe in the case. However, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will continue to probe the case under the supervision of the retired judge.
The Supreme Court heard the Lakhimpur Kheri case on Wednesday. The court passed the order appointing a judge to oversee the Lakhimpur Kheri case days after it directed the Uttar Pradesh government to "upgrade the SIT and introduce senior officials" to ensure proper investigation.
Late Tuesday, the government suggested the names of three police officials -- IPS officer Shirodkar, IPS officer Preetender Singh and Uttar Pradesh IG Padmaja Chauhan. They will be part of the SIT probing the Lakhimpur case, said CJI NV Ramana.
The SIT will report to retired Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain.
The Supreme Court said it will further hear the matter after a chargesheet is filed in the case.
THE LAKHIMPUR VIOLENCE CASE
The case pertains to the violence that erupted in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh last month.
Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in the district when a farmers' group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3.
Four more people were killed in the violence that ensued. These included two BJP workers, a driver and a local journalist.
Union minister Ajay Misra’s son Ashish Misra is the prime accused in the case. He has been lodged in prison since his arrest on October 9.