Punjab convoy of over 1000 Congress workers led by PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has left for Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, where eight people including four farmers were killed in violence on Sunday. Reportedly, Union minister of state Ajay Misra Teni's son Ashish hit protesting farmers with his SUV after which violence erupted and vehicles were set ablaze.
Threatening to observe hunger strike, Sidhu is demanding the arrest of accused Ashish Misra.
Congress leader Navjot Sidhu said, "What has happened in Lakhimpur Kheri is not acceptable. This is a clear case of murder of farmers who were protesting against draconian laws
enacted by the Centre. We demand immediate arrest of Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra and his son Ashish Mishra”.
Meanwhile, UP police have finally made the first arrest in the case. Two people identified as Luvkush Rana and Ashish Pandey are arrested. They are said to be close aides of Ajay Misra’s
son. Police are carrying out more raids, claimed officials.
Ashish Misra, on the other hand, remains untraceable.
The significant development come just hours after the Supreme Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a report on how many arrests have been made in connection with the case
within a day.
Also Read: 'Who are accused, whether arrested or not': SC seeks answers from UP govt on Lakhimpur violence
"In the status report also tell us about the eight persons who have been killed. Farmers, journalists etc. It is an unfortunate incident. Tell us whom you registered FIR against. How
many have you arrested," the top court ordered. "The grievance is that you are not registering a proper FIR and a proper investigation not taking place," said Chief Justice NV Ramana.