Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: SC Relieves SIT After Investigation Completion

The Supreme Court on Monday relieved the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, stating that the SIT has already concluded its investigation and submitted a charge sheet in the trial court.

The case is related to the violence that occurred on October 3, 2021, in which eight individuals, including four farmers, lost their lives in the Tikunia area of Lakhimpur Kheri district.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Dipankar Datta also mentioned that if there arises a need to reconstitute the SIT, an appropriate order will be passed.

The Apex Court had previously appointed Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to oversee, on a day-to-day basis, the Uttar Pradesh Police SIT’s investigation into the case.

The SIT included three senior IPS officers: S B Shirodkar, Deepinder Singh, and Padmaja Chauhan. On July 11, the Supreme Court extended the interim bail of Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra, who is facing prosecution in the case, until September 26.

The violence occurred during a protest by farmers against the visit of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to the area. Four farmers were reportedly mowed down by an SUV, and subsequently, a driver and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by enraged farmers.

A journalist also lost his life in the violence, leading to widespread outrage among opposition parties and farmer groups who were protesting against the now-repealed agricultural laws introduced by the Central government.