Lakhimpur Kheri: 'Hundreds of farmers but only 23 eye-witnesses?' SC asks UP govt

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Uttar Pradesh government why there are only 23 eye-witnesses in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case when hundreds of farmers were present at the rally. The court made the observation while holding a suo motu hearing on the matter.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for UP govt, had told the court that out of 68 witnesses, statements of 30 witnesses have been recorded and 23 of those claim to be eyewitnesses of the incident.

The court again directed the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to the witnesses.

The Supreme Court has asked Uttar Pradesh govt to file separate replies on the investigation on the killing of journalist Raman Kashyap and one Shyam Sundar in Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The next hearing will be held on November 8.