Sushmita Dev visits UP to meet families of farmers allegedly ran over by BJP Minister’s convoy

On Sunday, a SUV ran over protesting farmers in Lakhimpur, UP, causing unrest across the country. The farmers have claimed that the vehicle which ran over the protestors in Lakhimpur Kheri’s Tikonia was part of the convoy of Home Minister (MOS) Ajay Mishra Teni’s son Ashish. Teni, on the other hand, claimed that his son is innocent and three BJP workers were lynched by the mob.

Amidst the allegations and counter-allegations, the opposition leaders have planned their visit to the spot. Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi was arrested by UP Police during one such visit and that sparked another controversy. After trying hard to meet the victim family for more than a day, Trinamool Congress leader and MP, Sushmita Dev reached Lucknow earlier today. The former Silchar MP shared that given ‘144’ has been clamped in the city, the team of five delegates had to split into two teams. She along with Kakoli Ghosh flew from Kolkata, while the other three drove from Delhi.

“After reaching here, we have realised it’s crystal clear that the UP government has lied to the nation saying there has been a settlement. They are definitely trying to hide something as PM Modi is also in Lucknow for something,” Dev told BarakBulletin.

She further said that the farmers have some specific demands — “First the removal of the black laws, apologise for calling them anti-national. The farmers also appeal for a second post mortem outside UP as there is a belief that after crushing them under the car, there was also the use of guns and bullets. And the police is trying to hide that fact.”

She added that the victims’ last demand is that they want justice, not compensation. They have also cited that the home minister (MOS) should step down till the case is resolved. “Unless he is proven innocent he cannot remain as the home minister as he has direct involvement in the case,” Sushmita Dev said.