Lakhimpur Kheri violence

2021-10-14T08:37:53Z

123.136.151.205:

{{Short description|2021 killing in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = Lakhimpur Kheri violence
| partof =
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| location = [[Lakhimpur Kheri district]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] India
| target = Protesting farmers (pedestrians)
| module = {{Infobox settlement
| embed = yes
| name = [[Tikunia]]
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = town
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Uttar Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Tikunia, in Lakhimpur Kheri
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Tikunia, in Lakhimpur Kheri 
| coordinates = {{coord|28.38317|80.966478|display=inline,title}}
}}
| date = {{Start date|2021|10|03}}
| time =
| timezone =
| type = [[Vehicle-ramming attack]] followed by [[mob lynching]]
| fatalities = 8
| injuries = 10
| perpetrators =
| assailants =
| accused = 4
| weapons = [[Sport utility vehicle]]
| numparts = 
| dfens = 
| motive =
}}
'''Lakhimpur Kheri violence''' was a [[vehicle-ramming attack]] and [[mob lynching]] incident during [[2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest|farmers’ protest]] against the [[2020 Indian agriculture acts|three farm laws]] passed by the BJP led [[Union Government of India|Union Government]]. It happened on 3 October 2021 at [[Tikunia]] in [[Lakhimpur Kheri district]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuries to 10 others. Four protesters were run over by the car, three others were lynched by protestors in the subsequent violence<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-03|title=Eight killed in violence during protest against ministers in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri: Police|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eight-dead-in-up-s-lakhimpur-kheri-after-jeep-runs-over-protesting-farmers-101633273679900.html|access-date=2021-10-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name="SIT arrests driver" /> and a 28 year old journalist working with the private TV news channel was among those killed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Local journalist among 8 killed in Lakhimpur Kheri violence |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/local-journalist-among-8-killed-in-lakhimpur-kheri-violence-320501 |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=Tribune India |agency=Tribune News Service |language=en}}</ref> Leader of farm protest [[Rakesh Tikait]] defended the accused in lynching of BJP workers<ref>{{Cite web|last=Delhi/NoidaOctober 9|first=Amit Bhardwaj|last2=October 9|first2=2021UPDATED:|last3=Ist|first3=2021 18:01|title=Reaction to action: Rakesh Tikait on killing of BJP workers during Lakhimpur Kheri violence|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/reaction-to-action-rakesh-tikait-killing-of-bjp-workers-lakhimpur-kheri-violence-1862893-2021-10-09|access-date=2021-10-13|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> as well as the role of [[Khalistan movement|Sikh extremists]] in the mob-lynching.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Oct 10|first=IP Singh / TNN / Updated:|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=14:31|title=Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: Sant or terrorist? {{!}} Ludhiana News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/jarnail-singh-bhindranwale-sant-or-terrorist/articleshow/86907837.cms|access-date=2021-10-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> A local politician named as an accused in a police complaint on mob lynching of Shubham Mishra <ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-05|title=Lakhimpur Violence: SP leader Tajinder accused of killing Shubham Mishra|url=https://english.newstracklive.com/news/lakhimpur-violence-sp-leader-tajinder-singh-virk-accused-of-killing-shubham-mishra-father-said--hit-with-sword-and-baton-mc23-nu764-ta322-1185791-1.html|access-date=2021-10-13|website=News Track|language=English}}</ref> is yet to be apprehended by law enforcement.

==Incident==
On 3 October 2021, hundreds of farmers in [[Tikunia]] area of [[Lakhimpur Kheri district]] of Uttar Pradesh were returning after staging protests as part of the [[2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest]] against the [[2020 Indian agriculture acts|three farm laws]] passed by the BJP led [[Union Government of India|Union Government]]. The protestors were blocking UP deputy chief minister [[Keshav Prasad Maurya]]’s visit to Banbirpur village.<ref name="Eight killed">{{Cite web|date=2021-10-03|title=Eight killed in violence during protest against ministers in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri: Police|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eight-dead-in-up-s-lakhimpur-kheri-after-jeep-runs-over-protesting-farmers-101633273679900.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> The protestors walking on the road were hit from behind by a speeding Thar [[Sport utility vehicle|SUV car]], that also ran over them. Two other vehicles in the convoy quickly followed the first car and crushed the injured who were lying on the ground.<ref name="Trauma">{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri: 15-Year-Old Still In Trauma After Seeing Father Being Crushed Under The Wheel |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-lakhimpur-kheri-violence-15-year-old-still-in-trauma-after-seeing-father-being-crushed-under-the-wheel/397489 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=outlookindia.com/ |language=en|quote=The father and son were walking together along with hundreds of other farmers to their houses when the jeep came from behind and ran over many of them. In quick succession, two other vehicles, a Scorpion and Fortuner, followed it crushing all those who were already seriously injured and lying on the ground.}}</ref>

Eight people including four protestors died<ref name="Eight killed" /> and ten were injured.<ref name="SKM Statement">{{cite news |title=Farmers run over by Union Minister's convoy in Lakhimpur Khiri: 3 dead |url=https://gaurilankeshnews.com/farmers-run-over-by-union-ministers-convoy-in-lakhimpur-khiri-three-dead-18-injured/ |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=Gauri Lankesh News |date=3 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Crushed">{{cite news |title=Protesting Farmers 'Crushed to Death' by Union Minister's Convoy in UP |url=https://www.groundxero.in/2021/10/03/protesting-farmers-crushed-to-death-by-union-ministers-convoy-in-up/ |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=groundxero |date=3 October 2021}}</ref> Two protesters died on the spot after being run over by the car and two more injured protestors later died in the hospital.<ref name="Ashish Mishra BBC" /> Three persons in the Minister’s convoy were lynched by farmers subsequently. The victims included driver of [[Ajay Kumar Mishra|Ajay Mishra]] and two BJP workers.<ref name="Ashish Mishra BBC">{{cite news |title=Ashish Mishra: India minister's son arrested over Lakhimpur violence |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-58839296 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=11 October 2021}}</ref>

Raman Kashyap, a 28-year-old journalist working with the private TV news channel was among those killed.<ref name="Local journalist">{{cite news |title=Local journalist among 8 killed in Lakhimpur Kheri violence |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/local-journalist-among-8-killed-in-lakhimpur-kheri-violence-320501 |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=Tribune India |agency=Tribune News Service |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Ashish Mishra BBC" /> His father who witnessed the incident, stated that Kashyap was hit by the car and grievously injured.

Two of these cars involved were owned by the union minister Ajay Kumar Mishra. According to the eyewitnesses the minister's son, Ashish Mishra, was in one of the cars in the convoy<ref name="Newslaundry video">{{cite news |last1=Team |first1=N. L. |title=Lakhimpur Kheri violence: What happened on October 3 and what do we know so far? |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/10/11/lakhimpur-kheri-violence-what-happened-on-october-3-and-what-do-we-know-so-far |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=Newslaundry}}</ref> but he denied the allegations, saying that he was not present on the spot and he was watching a wrestling event some {{convert|4.5|km}} away in the area and shared some photos and videos of the said event.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri: India minister's son evades police questioning |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-58839296 |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=8 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=IP |title=Punjab BJP maintains silence on Lakhimpur Kheri {{!}} Chandigarh News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/punjab-bjp-maintains-silence-on-lakhimpur-kheri/articleshow/86822732.cms |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=The Times of India |publisher=TNN |date=7 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref> In an interview with [[India TV]] on October 5, Ashish accepted that the vehicle seen in the viral video of the incident was his, but added that he was not at the place where the violence took place. Mishra appeared for questioning before a special investigation team on October 9 and was arrested and taken to custody the late evening.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lakhimpur-khrri-violence-union-ministers-son-questioned-for-9-hours/articleshow/86895569.cms</ref>

==Investigation==
Two [[First information report]]s (FIR) on the incident were filed in the [[Tikunia|Tikunia police station]].<ref name="Eyewitnesses Newslaundry">{{cite news |last1=Saxena |first1=Nidhi Suresh,Shivangi |title=Lakhimpur Kheri violence: Eyewitnesses recall what they saw on October 3 |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/10/05/lakhimpur-kheri-violence-eyewitnesses-recall-what-they-saw-on-october-3 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=Newslaundry}}</ref> Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister of State [[Ajay Kumar Mishra|Ajay Mishra]], was allegedly driving the car involved in the incident. Mishra had denied the charge and evaded police questioning for six days.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri: India minister's son evades police questioning |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-58839296 |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=8 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="Punjab BJP">{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=IP |title=Punjab BJP maintains silence on Lakhimpur Kheri {{!}} Chandigarh News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/punjab-bjp-maintains-silence-on-lakhimpur-kheri/articleshow/86822732.cms |access-date=9 October 2021 |work=The Times of India |publisher=TNN |date=7 October 2021 |language=en |quote="When all other parties in Punjab are very active on Lakhimpur Kheri massacre, Punjab BJP has been maintaining a complete silence on it."}}</ref>

The Supreme court heard the case after two lawyers from Uttar Pradesh wrote to the [[Chief Justice of India|chief justice]] [[NV Ramana]], seeking a federal investigation into the incident. Supreme Court criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and expressed dissatisfaction over the steps taken so far. The court also asked the police why the minister's son had not been arrested when he was accused of a serious crime of murder. Chief Justice NV Ramana speaking for the court disapproved of the special investigation team set up by the UP government as "the people in the commission, they're all local officers".<ref name="Ashish Mishra BBC" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lakhimpur-kheri-incident-sc-slams-up-government-over-delay-in-arrest-of-ashish-mishra-101633701867459-amp.html|title=Lakhimpur Kheri incident: Supreme Court slams UP government over delay in arrest of Ashish Misra|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Debayan">{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Debayan |title=Lakhimpur Kheri Uttar Pradesh massacre: "Action of UP govt only in words:" Supreme Court unhappy with probe |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/lakhimpur-kheri-uttar-pradesh-massacre-action-of-up-govt-only-in-words-supreme-court-unhappy-with-probe |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news |language=en}}</ref>

Ashish Mishra appeared for questioning before a special investigation team 6 days after the incident. He was arrested and taken to custody on October 9, 2021, late evening.<ref name="Ashish Mishra BBC" /> Three more people were also arrested.<ref name="SIT arrests driver">{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri deaths: SIT arrests driver of SUV in convoy |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/lakhimpur-kheri-deaths-sit-arrests-driver-of-suv-in-convoy-7569038 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=The Indian Express |quote="While four protesters and allegedly a journalist were run over, three others were killed in the subsequent violence." |date=13 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="violence site" />

On 12 October, Mishra was taken to the incident site for reconstruction of the events.<ref name="violence site">{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri: Ashis Mishra to be taken to violence site |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/lakhimpur-kheri-ashis-mishra-to-be-taken-to-massacre-site/cid/1834428 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=www.telegraphindia.com |date=13 October 2021}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==
[[File:Mahindra Thar in dark red.jpg|thumb|Representative picture of the Mahindra Thar SUV, the same model involved in the incident]]
An alleged video of the incident shared by BJP MP [[Varun Gandhi]] showed a vehicle ramming unarmed protesters from behind.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/crystal-clear-bjp-s-varun-gandhi-tweets-new-lakhimpur-video-demands-justice-101633590882060.html|title="Crystal clear": BJP's Varun Gandhi tweets new Lakhimpur video, demands jutice|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

Leader of farm protest [[Rakesh Tikait]] defended the accused in lynching of BJP workers<ref>{{Cite web|last=Delhi/NoidaOctober 9|first=Amit Bhardwaj|last2=October 9|first2=2021UPDATED:|last3=Ist|first3=2021 18:01|title=Reaction to action: Rakesh Tikait on killing of BJP workers during Lakhimpur Kheri violence|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/reaction-to-action-rakesh-tikait-killing-of-bjp-workers-lakhimpur-kheri-violence-1862893-2021-10-09|access-date=2021-10-13|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> as well as the role of [[Khalistan movement|Sikh extremists]] in the mob-lynching.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Oct 10|first=IP Singh / TNN / Updated:|last2=2021|last3=Ist|first3=14:31|title=Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: Sant or terrorist? {{!}} Ludhiana News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/jarnail-singh-bhindranwale-sant-or-terrorist/articleshow/86907837.cms|access-date=2021-10-13|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

On 9 October, Farmer unions termed the Lakhimpur Kheri violence an "[[Terrorism|act of terror]]" that was part of a larger conspiracy to break the 10-month-old [[2020-2021 Indian farmers' protest|farmers’ protest]]. The union stated, this "violence" during the farmer's movement was analogous to the [[Jallianwala Bagh massacre]] during the [[Indian freedom movement]]. The unions and [[Samyukt Kisan Morcha]] (SKM) planned several protests calling for the immediate dismissal and arrest of Union minister of state for home, Ajay Mishra Teni, and his son Ashish.<ref name="terror act">{{cite news |title=Farmer unions term Lakhimpur Kheri carnage ‘a terror act’ |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/farmer-unions-term-lakhimpur-kheri-carnage-a-terror-act/cid/1834063 |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=telegraphindia.com |date=10 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lakhimpur Kheri incident ‘terror attack’, part of ‘pre-planned conspiracy’, SKM alleges |url=https://theprint.in/india/lakhimpur-kheri-incident-terror-attack-part-of-pre-planned-conspiracy-skm-alleges/748397/ |date=9 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="Jaiswal">{{cite news |last1=Jaiswal |first1=Anuja |title=Lakhimpur Kheri incident no less than a terror attack, says Jayant Chaudhary, seeks UAPA against minister, son {{!}} Agra News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/lakhimpur-kheri-incident-no-less-than-a-terror-attack-says-jayant-chaudhary-seeks-uapa-against-minister-son/articleshow/86846660.cms |access-date=13 October 2021 |work=The Times of India |agency=TNN |date=7 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==Reference==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Lakhimpur Kheri district]]
[[Category:2021 road incidents]]
[[Category:2020s road incidents in Asia]]
[[Category:Attacks in 2021]]
[[Category:2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest]]
[[Category:October 2021 events in India]]
[[Category:Road incidents in India]]
[[Category:Lynching deaths in India]]

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Lakhimpur Kheri violence