The Supreme Court on Monday cancelled the bail granted to Ashish Mishra, son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra ‘Teni,’ prime accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, which led to the death of eight people, including four farmers.
Earlier on April 4, the Apex Court had reserved its order on the plea challenging bail to Ashish Mishra.
A special investigation team, appointed by the Supreme Court, probing the Lakhimpur Kheri case, had filed its status report and twice recommended to the Uttar Pradesh government to cancel the bail granted to Ashish Mishra.
The investigating team had mentioned that the evidence substantiated that Ashish Mishra was present at the place, where eight people were killed.
“The SIT head had written to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Uttar Pradesh on February 10 and 14, 2022, respectively, requesting for an urgent appeal in the Supreme Court for the cancellation of bail of the accused in the sight of ongoing investigation and possibility of the 98 witnesses being threatened, who were currently under protection.”
The SIT report clearly mentioned Ashish being aware of the change in the route taken by UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to attend a function on October 3.
The SIT in strong words mentioned that the 13 people, who have been accused, had gone to the scene in a premeditated manner in a three-vehicle convoy at a very high speed even after knowing it is narrow and full of protesters.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli, said the two letters were sent by the SIT to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh to file appeal in the Apex Court to cancel the bail of main accused Ashish Mishra.
The Allahabad High Court had granted bail to Ashish Mishra on February 3, 2022.
Read order below:
5499_2022_1_302_35135_Judgement_18-Apr-2022