The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Superintendent of Police in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, to compile and submit a report concerning the allegations against Ashish Mishra, who is accused of violating bail conditions. Mishra, the son of a former Union minister, was granted bail following his alleged involvement in the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri incident, where four protesting farmers were reportedly run over.
In January 2023, the Allahabad High Court allowed Mishra’s release on bail, which was contingent on strict conditions including limitations on his presence in Lakhimpur Kheri. However, recent claims by the victims’ families suggest that Mishra, or individuals acting on his behalf, appeared at a public event in the district, potentially breaching the terms set by the court.
The Supreme Court’s demand for a thorough police report comes in response to these serious allegations. The court seeks to assess the “genuineness, veracity, and reliability” of the evidence presented by both the victims and the accused. This evidence includes claims and counterclaims about Mishra’s presence at the event, which directly contradicts his bail conditions that restrict his entry to the area strictly to the days preceding his trial.
