The family members of deceased journalist Jagendra Singh had begun their strike last week demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged murder.
Jagendra Singh’s father told that they decided to call-off the strike after Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav assured them of justice and promised jobs for Singh’s children. Another family member of the deceased journalist said, “UP CM assured us that whoever is responsible will be punished no matter who they are.”
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea seeking CBI probe into the alleged murder case.
Meanwhile, elaborating on the assurances given by the Akhilesh government to the victim’s family, the deceased journalist’s son said, “The UP CM has asked us to keep faith in the state government. He has also gave us assurance that an unbiased enquiry will be done into the matter. Akhilesh Yadav also said that in three days the culprits will be punished.”“We had asked for a CBI enquiry into the case, but CM asked us to wait for the police enquiry. He assured us that the police enquiry will be unbiased,” he added.
Jagendra was reportedly set ablaze by Verma’s henchmen on June 1. Singh succumbed to his burn injuries in a Lucknow hospital a week later. The Shahjahanpur Police later registered a criminal FIR against eight persons, including the minister, in connection with the case. The Uttar Pradesh government suspended five policemen for their alleged role in the killing. However, no arrests have been made so far.
