Lakhimpur Kheri violence: SC seeks UP govt response over Ashish Mishra's bail plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from UP government over Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra's bail plea in Lakhimpur violence case.

Allahabad High Court on July 26 had rejected Ashish's bail plea in the case.

During hearing before the apex court, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Union Minister's son said that he was earlier granted bail in the case as there was no direct allegation that he drove the car and mowed down people.

The top court had later cancelled the bail after complainant's side approached it . It said the victims were denied "a fair and effective hearing"

On October 3 last year, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri during violence that erupted when farmers were protesting against Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV, in which Ashish Mishra was seated, according to the UP Police FIR.

Following the incident, the driver and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by angry farmers.

A journalist also died in the violence that triggered outrage among opposition parties and farmer groups agitating over the Centre's now-repealed agricultural reform laws.

(With inputs from PTI)