Representation Image | PTI
In a shocking display of impunity, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members allegedly assaulted and threatened Diljot Singh, one of the witnesses of the Lakhimpur Kheri killings where a few protesting farmers and a journalist were mowed down by a vehicle owned by the son of a powerful BJP minister. Diljot Singh was assaulted on the intervening night between March 10 and March 11, 2022, when 10 men allegedly belonging to the BJP allegedly beat him up with belts and tore off his clothes after distracting the security guard deployed to protect Singh.
On October 3, 2021, Lakhimpur Kheri farmers peacefully protesting in Tikonia village were allegedly mowed down by a vehicle carrying Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish. Four farmers and a local journalist were killed in the incident that sparked outrage among the farming community. Leaders demanded the immediate sacking of Union Minister Ajay Mishra. While the investigation continues, witnesses like Singh were granted security.
However, this security proved to be ineffective on Thursday night, when around 10 BJP goons distracted gunman Manoj, and attacked the sugarcane farmer with belts. According to the FIR complaint, accused Ashok, Ramu, Munnalal, Anil Trivedi, Pavan and five to six others dealt severe injuries to Singh’s head and tore his clothes.
Singh was transporting his produce to Belraya factory around 8 PM when a crowd gathered around his tractor, compelling gun-man constable Manoj to dispel the crowd. The accused used this chance to attack Singh, said the report.
“They [the accused] said that they will kill all witnesses. After the BJP’s victory, they will deal with all of us. They said that now that Monu bhaiya [Ashish Mishra] is out of jail, he will teach us all a lesson,” said Singh in his complaint.
Final results of the Lakhimpur constituency showed that BJP candidate Yogesh Verma won the seat with a margin of 20,578 votes. However, the voter turnout in the area was only 67.79 percent – relatively less than other farmer-dominated regions.
Following Mishra’s release on February 12, survivors of the attack told SabrangIndia that they feared for their safety. They questioned the rationale behind allowing a person who allegedly murdered so many people, to be released on bail within four months. It may be noted that the bail was granted amidst Assembly Elections in the state. Moreover, the Special Investigation team (SIT) that looked into the matter said in its report that the whole incident was a planned conspiracy.
Farmers umbrella body Sanyukta Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) legal cell member Vasu Kukreja said he worried that such incidents will now gradually increase and witness security will be compensated. “Even here, the police registered an FIR only after pressure from the people, even though the accused are known people. Singh is safe now, but such cases will now surely increase,” he said.
On the day of Mishra’s bail, the SKM lamented the court-decision, pointing out that the politically powerful accused is very likely to influence the witnesses. During the Mission UP campaign, the SKM demanded the immediate removal of Mishra from the Union Cabinet to ensure a fair trial against the accused.
Related:
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UP elections: ECI data indicates enthusiastic voter turnout in the farming community
Lakhimpur Kheri case: Farmers remain enraged by Mishra’s bail