Lakhimpur Kheri incident: Navjot Singh Sidhu threatens to go on hunger strike ‘if arrests are not made’

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October 7, 2021

Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday demanded the arrest of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni’s son and threatens to go on hunger strike from tomorrow.

The Congress leader while leading a march to Lakhimpur in Uttar Pradesh said, “If arrests are not made or he (MoS Teni’s son) doesn’t join the investigation by tomorrow, then I will sit on hunger strike.”

As many as eight people died in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on Sunday, said Uttar Pradesh police. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel have announced ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh separately to the kin of four farmers who died in the Lakhimpur incident.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of several farmer unions, alleged that Ashish Mishra Teni, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni arrived with three vehicles around the time that farmers were dispersing from their protest at the helipad and mowed down farmers and towards the end also attacked SKM leader Tajinder Singh Virk directly, by trying to run a vehicle over him. However, Ashish Mishra refuted SKM’s allegations and said he was not present at the spot where the incident took place.

MoS Teni also said that his son was not present at the spot, adding that some miscreants mingled with protesting farmers and pelted the stones at the car which lead to the ‘unfortunate incident’.

Prabhas to collaborate with ‘Kabir Singh’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his next film

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Afternoon Voice

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October 7, 2021

South star Prabhas will team up with “Kabir Singh” helmer Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his next feature “Spirit”, the makers announced on Thursday.

The film will be backed by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures.

According to the makers, “Spirit” will be released worldwide in multiple regional and international languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean.

Prabhas said, “Spirit” marks his 25th movie and will be a “special film” for his fans.

“Working with Bhushan Kumar has always been easy and comforting and he is one of the best producers we have, with who I share a great rapport. Sandeep is a dream director for all and now with ‘Spirit’, I have got the chance to associate with such a powerhouse of talent. It’s an amazing storyline and I can’t wait to start working on ‘Spirit’ as my fans are eagerly waiting to see me in this avatar for a long time,” the 41-year-old actor said in a statement.

Praising the “Baahubali” star, Kumar said Prabhas is a great collaborator. The producer has worked with Prabhas on films like “Saaho” and their forthcoming projects include “Radhe Shyam” and “Adipurush”.

“Spirit” will also be T-Series’ third outing with Vanga, after the 2019 blockbuster “Kabir Singh” and the upcoming multi-starrer “Animal”, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Parineeti Chopra, among others.

“‘Spirit’ will not only be one of our biggest projects but it will also be a very special one as it’s Prabhas’ silver jubilee film as well,” Kumar added.

Prabhas’ other upcoming films are the actioner “Salaar” and filmmaker Nag Ashwin’s untitled multilingual sci-fi film featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.

Google to launch Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro on October 19

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Web Team

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October 7, 2021

American tech giant Google recently announced that it will launch its new smartphones Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on October 19, 2021. Google revealed the information through its Twitter handle — Madebygoogle. The company also provided a link to the launch page of Google Pixel 6.

The event is scheduled to take place at 10 am PT. As per Indian Standard Time (IST), it will begin at 10:30 pm on 19 October. The launch event can be live-streamed on Google’s official YouTube channel. It can also be watched live on the social media handles of the tech giant.

It is possible that we will see the official release date for Android 12 for Pixel devices at this event. So far, Google has only released Android 12 as AOSP but only gave “next few weeks” as a time frame for the Android 12 update for Pixel and other OEM devices, reported GSM Arena. The Pixel 6 phones will be the first to feature Google’s in-house Tensor chip along with a modern design and fancy new cameras using Samsung sensors.

These will also be the first phones to launch with Android 12. Pricing and availability to be revealed at the launch event.

Has NCB become a tool in the hands of right-wingers?

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Vaidehi Taman

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October 6, 2021

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) knew the event is big and inside the water, looking at the entry fees they could guess the participation of high-profile guests, and that’s how the raid was planned for some limelight and pers. Meanwhile, Manish Bhanushali, vice president of BJP and SK Gosavi, private persons were involved in the Cruise raid by NCB.

Both were seen taking Aryan Khan and Arbaz Merchant to the NCB office. SK Gosavi also made a small video of Aryan Khan and clicked a selfie with him and shared it with a crime reporter. Many think tanks claim that Aryan was being “targetted” because he’s Muslim adding that no drugs have been recovered from Aryan Khan since his arrest.

Moreover, the man apparently seen taking Aryan Khan into NCB custody who later also clicks a selfie with him does not belong to the NCB, as stated by the agency officials themselves took video of Aryan and made it public, how can these private people have access to these kids and who gave them authority to compromise these children’s privacy? Is this a set agenda?

Manish Bhanushali, vice president of BJP and SK Gosavi, private people were involved in the Cruise raid by NCB. Both were seen taking accused Aryan Khan & Arbaz Merchant to the NCB office.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik questioned the involvement of private people in NCB’s raid. He also exposed the claims of NCB. The NCB while seeking Khan’s remand did not specify whether any drugs were found in his possession or were suspected to be consumed by him though he has been charged with sections related to consumption. His medical reports found no traces of drug consumption.

The central agency said that it was investigating “suspicious transactions” constituting offences under the NDPS Act. Khan’s lawyer told the court that nothing had been found in his possession nor had he admitted to any consumption or being in contact with persons related to the drugs seizure. Since the charges are bailable, Khan’s lawyers are likely to file bail tomorrow.

On Sunday, his lawyers argued that there was no bar under section 37 NDPS Act. This relates to a particular provision under the Act, where if the offences are non-bailable, the court is required to hear the public prosecutor and be satisfied that there are “reasonable grounds” that the accused has not committed the offences before granting bail. Since the charges do not fall under this category, the court will decide on his bail plea on the basis of the provisions under the bailable sections.

Since NCB has collected almost all evidence against Aryan, so he may get relief on Thursday even as the agency is trying to catch the network of peddlers who supply drugs to high-profile buyers. The drugs case against Aryan Khan is majorly based on two so-called proofs that the NCB officials are claiming will be enough to prove their case.

The first evidence against Aryan Khan is his confession and statement given to NCB where he claimed to have taken drugs. However, an official also clarified that no urine test or other test was conducted to check if he had taken drugs the day he was detained from the cruise by the investigators. A basic medical check-up was done as per the formalities. The relevance of his statement to NCB in the court remains in question.

Aslam Merchant, the father of Arbaaz Merchant, was vocal in telling that his son and Aryan Khan, both of whom have been taken into custody by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with the Mumbai drugs-on-cruise-case, were “innocent”.

Dismissing allegations that 5 grams of charas were found on Arbaaz as “baseless”, Aslam said that it is very premature to state anything (about the arrest) at this point in time. The NCB has been very cooperative and very nice to the kids. I being a lawyer, have faith in the judiciary. The truth will prevail and they will come out scot-free. They are innocent,” he told Times Now. Aslam said that his son and Khan did not even enter the ship and that they were just guests. “Whatever was found, was found inside the ship, not outside,” he added.

Reports state that a rave party was taking place in the late hours of October 2 on a cruise ship that was raided at the Mumbai Coast. The cruise was on its way on a “musical voyage” for three days. Several names from Bollywood – including Aryan Khan – were also aboard the cruise, along with people from the fashion and business industry.

The NCB received an anonymous tip of banned drugs being used on the cruise. NCB officials, led by zonal director Sameer Wankhede, boarded the ship disguised as passengers to conduct the raid.

All parties are permitted to visit Lakhimpur; but only five people will be allowed to meet victim’s families

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Afternoon Voice

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October 6, 2021

After a lot of collective attacks from the opposition, finally, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi was permitted to visit Lakhimpur Kheri, had a face-off with the UP police on Wednesday when he landed in Lucknow airport over transport arrangements.

A five-member team of the Congress, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has been cleared for a visit to Lakhimpur Kheri to meet the families of farmers who died on Sunday.

Earlier today, Junior Home Minister Ajay Mishra met his boss, Amit Shah, amid opposition demands for his dismissal over allegations that his son ran over the peacefully protesting farmers on Sunday.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut questioned whether Uttar Pradesh is Pakistan as Indians are stopped from entering the state, adding that the administration is imposing Section 144 in the Lakhimpur Kheri but detaining opposition leaders in Lucknow.

Priyanka Gandhi was seen in a huge confrontation with the police as she demanded to see a warrant for her arrest. A video showed her lashing out at the cops as Mr Hooda was physically pushed.

“Try touching me…,” she was heard saying. “If you will put me in that car I will charge you with kidnapping. And the charge will not be against the police but you,” she told the police.

Priyanka Gandhi’s husband Robert Vadra said he had been stopped from going to Lucknow to “check on my wife (Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) and make sure she is fine and well”.

Vadra also expressed his shock that his wife had still not been allowed to meet her legal counsel. “I have been stopped (from going) to Lucknow, UP, to check on my wife and make sure she is fine and well. I am shocked beyond belief… how Priyanka has been arrested under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code. I spoke with her yesterday and she informed me she has not been served with any order or notice,” Vadra wrote on Facebook.

“… not been produced before a judicial officer, not allowed to meet her legal counsel. I am really worried for her… packed my bag to go to Lucknow when I was informed, I won’t be allowed to step out of the airport,” he said.

A Union Minister’s son, accused of running over farmers at Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday, has yet to be arrested amid a flurry of videos and contradictory versions of the incident in which eight people were killed.

Sumit Jaiswal, a local BJP leader seen in a video leaving the SUV that allegedly crushed protesting farmers, claimed that the protesters attacked Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra’s convoy, not the other way round.

He has filed a case alleging that his driver, friend and two BJP workers were beaten to death and that he found out from social media later. In the FIR, filed three days after the incident, he says he was in the SUV with his friend Shubham and driver Hari Om when protesters attacked the car. The driver was injured and attacked with sticks and swords; he claims.

Exclusive video of Lakhimpur Kheri where the tragic incident took place

Sanjay Raut and Robert Vadra questions the detention of Priyanka Gandhi

By

Afternoon Voice

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October 6, 2021

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut questioned whether Uttar Pradesh is Pakistan as Indians are stopped from entering the state, adding that the administration is imposing Section 144 in the Lakhimpur Kheri but detaining opposition leaders in Lucknow.

“Section 144 of CrPC is imposed in Lakhimpur Kheri and you (the government) are arresting (the opposition leaders) in Lucknow. What kind of law is this? Is UP in Pakistan where the Indians are stopped from going? There is a restriction of movement from one state to another. Is this a new lockdown?” Shiv Sena leader Raut while speaking to ANI on Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

He further said, “The administration is like a caged parrot of the ruling party and it follows whatever the instruction is given by the government. There is evidence of a vehicle running over the farmers…” Mr Raut added, “Priyanka Gandhi has been arrested, Rahul Gandhi is being stopped (from boarding a flight), a state CM is also stopped. What crime have they committed? Is there a new constitution in the country?” Mr Raut also said that all the opposition parties will discuss whether a delegation should be sent to Lakhimpur Kheri.

In the meantime, Rahul Gandhi, asked about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s controversial arrest in Uttar Pradesh on Monday on her way to Lakhimpur Kheri, said he was “not bothered” by the alleged manhandling of his sister as they both are “trained” to face such attacks.

“Whether it is Priyanka or me – we are not bothered by manhandling. You can hit us, attack us…It is our training from years ago…that our family gives us,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi was seen in a huge confrontation with the police as she demanded to see a warrant for her arrest. A video showed her lashing out at the cops as Mr Hooda was physically pushed. “Try touching me…,” she was heard saying. “If you will put me in that car I will charge you with kidnapping. And the charge will not be against the police but you,” she told the police.

Priyanka Gandhi’s husband Robert Vadra said he had been stopped from going to Lucknow to “check on my wife (Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) and make sure she is fine and well”.

Vadra also expressed his shock that his wife had still not been allowed to meet her legal counsel. “I have been stopped (from going) to Lucknow, UP, to check on my wife and make sure she is fine and well. I am shocked beyond belief… how Priyanka has been arrested under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code. I spoke with her yesterday and she informed me she has not been served with any order or notice,” Mr Vadra wrote on Facebook.

“… not been produced before a judicial officer, not allowed to meet her legal counsel. I am really worried for her… packed my bag to go to Lucknow when I was informed, I won’t be allowed to step out of the airport,” he said.

‘Dictatorship’ in India; farmers being ‘systematically attacked’: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

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Web Team

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October 6, 2021

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that farmers are being “systematically attacked” and there is “dictatorship” in India now with politicians not being allowed to visit Uttar Pradesh to meet the families of the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said he along with two Congress Chief Ministers — Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) and Charanjit Singh Channi (Punjab) — will try to visit Lakhimpur Kheri to meet the families hit by the violence.

Lucknow Police Commissioner D K Thakur told PTI that the Uttar Pradesh government has not given permission for Gandhi’s visit, and he will not be allowed to go to Sitapur or Lakhimpur.

Gandhi charged that farmers are being mowed down and the name of a union minister and his son is coming up, but no action is being taken.

Farmers of the country are being “systematically attacked”, he alleged.

LIVE: लखीमपुर खेरी में हुए नरसंहार व कांग्रेस नेताओं के साथ अन्याय पर प्रेस के साथियों से मेरी वार्ता। https://t.co/oUC4OA2bKf

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 6, 2021

“There used to be a democracy, there is a dictatorship in India now. Politicians cannot go to Uttar Pradesh. We are being told since yesterday that we cannot go to Uttar Pradesh,” Gandhi said.

Four of the eight dead in Sunday’s violence in Lakhimpur Kheri were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area. The others including BJP workers and their driver were allegedly pulled out of the vehicles and lynched by the protesters.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has lodged a case against Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish but no arrest has been made so far.

Ambulance sirens to go musical on Indian streets

By

Vaidehi Taman

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October 5, 2021

Those panic and heart-wrenching ambulance sirens would be now modified to traditional sounds of the flute, the harmonium, the tabla, and the conch shell will replace the all-too-familiar screech of ambulance sounds, which was at an all-time high during the devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The pleasant sounds of musical instruments will ring out on the roads announced union road transport minister, Nitin Gadkari. His new vision for the infrastructure in the city includes the planting of crore trees at the sides of a new expressway to help combat pollution, and the removal of pedestrian and animal use of the road to enable a faster route.

The new road in the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Gadkari described as a future “icon of New India” that will open endless opportunities for millions of people. The minister also said that local crafts and produce would be able to be showcased in the area, once the expressway is complete.

With instances of ambulance misuse on the rise, the Motor Vehicles Department is set to introduce a multi-level mechanism aimed at regulating inappropriate practices and preventing accidents. Cashing in on the COVID-19 situation, many drivers have reportedly been misusing the privilege to navigate heavy traffic. As per statistics, ambulances fall into the top four categories of vehicles that cause accidents.

Now the government is planning to implement regulatory measures. For anyone who has travelled the world, excessive automobile horn use in India will be an irritating factor. Noise pollution has become an integral part of city life. Be it noise from industries, construction sites, music systems, and loudspeakers everything contributes towards noise pollution.

The excessive usage of pressure horns in vehicles further adds to the woes. Noise from pressure horns has a severe impact on human health not only physically but psychologically as well. Frequent exposure to pressure horns can cause hearing disabilities or permanent damage to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It is liable for stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, and hypertension. It is a cause of irritation and restlessness, especially for senior citizens and patients.

People lack patience; irritated drivers sound horns and keep honking. Youngsters drive rashly and use horns outside schools and colleges. It even causes a lot of disturbance to students, especially during exams. The excessive honking at traffic signals, railway crossings, markets, and traffic jams is unbearable. It increases the palpitation levels in many. The signboard declaring a horn-free zone is often ignored and there is no check on violators.

Government cannot take strict action against all those who are honking. Finally, the government has come up with a solution to have musical horns and sirens so that the stress levels during traffic can come down. When this will be implemented and how people can respond to such innovation only time will tell but so far the union minister has at least given a thought to make city roads stress-free. To lower the pollution level, we should begin by taking small steps. Horns cause pollution and often lead to fatal accidents. There should be some restrictions on the usage of horns. Instead of horns, dippers should be used. Traffic lights should function well. A policeman should be present in all major bazaars or areas. The police all should provide proper guidance. Only people having licenses should be allowed to drive and others must be punished.

Noise is not merely a nuisance, but a serious environmental problem and a health hazard. It needs to be controlled as it leads to fatal accidents. Guidance, counseling sessions, and advice alone cannot serve the purpose unless and until stringent action and penalty is imposed on defaulters. Government should not allow the usage of pressure horns except during an emergency.

Blaring horns are the norm on roads and add severely to the stress levels and noise pollution of the city. We are impatient and always in such a hurry that we fail to respect the rights of other road users. Knowingly or unknowingly, everyone contributes to noise pollution. Often neglected, noise pollution adversely affects human beings leading to irritation, loss of concentration. Everybody is in a hurry and is longing to reach their destination without any concern or social responsibility towards fellow travelers. Let’s hope all this will change in the coming time and we all will have pleasant musical experiences.

Sirens of ambulances and police vehicles to be replaced with pleasant tunes

By

Afternoon Voice

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October 5, 2021

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is planning to bring a law under which only the sound of Indian musical instruments can be used as a horn for vehicles.

Looking at the noise pollution and constant honking during traffic the union minister has come up with a new announcement to bring a law under which only the sound of Indian musical instruments can be used as a horn for vehicles.

Speaking at a highway inauguration ceremony, Gadkari said he was also studying the sirens used by ambulances and police vehicles and replacing them with a more pleasant tune played on the All-India Radio.

Gadkari said he put an end to red beacons. Now I want to put an end to these sirens as well. Now I am studying the sirens (used by) ambulances and police. An artist composed a tune of Akashwani (All Indian Radio) and it was played early in the morning. I am thinking of using that tune for ambulances so that people feel pleasant. It is so irritating, especially after ministers pass by, the sirens are used at full volume. This also harms the ears.

I am studying this and soon planning to make a law that the horns of all vehicles should be in Indian musical instruments so that it is pleasant to hear. Flute, tabla, violin, mouth organ, harmonium, Gadkari said.

The union minister said the new Mumbai-Delhi highway worth Rs 1 lakh crore is already under construction, but it goes through Bhiwandi and reaches the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust periphery of Mumbai.

Gadkari said the ministry is already building a highway on the Vasai creek. He said as the then PWD minister of Maharashtra, he could not link Bandra-Worli to Vasai-Virar. I plan to build a bridge in the sea and link it to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and then it should take 12 hours (to cover the distance between) Nariman Point to Delhi. This will decongest the Western Express Highway, Gadkari said.

He said 5 lakh accidents take place in India every year claiming the lives of 1.5 lakh people and lakhs are injured. We lose 3 per cent of our GDP due to accidents, he added. Accidents on the Mumbai-Pune highway have come down by 50 per cent. The Tamil Nadu government has brought down accidents and deaths by 50 per cent, but in Maharashtra, similar success could not be achieved, he said.

Maharashtra has a high rate of people dying due to accidents, the union minister said. Gadkari also said he had made six airbags compulsory for vehicles.

Lakhimpur Kheri tragedy: ‘Why is Priyanka Gandhi in jail, while the minister roaming free?’ Sanjay Raut asks UP govt

By

Web Team

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October 5, 2021

Slamming the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government for the detention of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said the if the law was equal for everyone then why should Priyanka Gandhi be in jail while the “minister” roamed about free. Raut had met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi earlier today as Congress leaders Priyanka Vadra and Deepender Hooda remain in preventive detention at Sitapur guesthouse near Lakhimpur Kheri.

The Shiv Sena MP said there was a need for a joint opposition against the oppression meted out by the government in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to the meeting, the Shiv Sena leader told reporters: “Priyanka Gandhi is arrested so it’s necessary to meet Rahul Gandhi. If the law is equal for everyone then why is Priyanka Gandhi is in jail and the minister is roaming free.”

Earlier taking to Twitter, Raut had posted “#LakhimpurKheriViolence has shaken the nation,@priyankagandhi has been arrested UP govt, opposition leaders are being restricted from meeting farmers. There is need for joint opposition action against oppression by Government in UP. Meeting @RahulGandhi at 4.15 pm today”.

#LakhimpurKheriViolence has shaken the nation,@priyankagandhi has been arrested UP govt, opposition leaders are being restricted from meeting farmers. There is need for joint opposition action against oppression by Government in UP. Meeting @RahulGandhi at 4.15 pm today
जय हिंद!

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) October 5, 2021

Meanwhile, Congress leader Harish Rawat also arrived at the residence of party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday registered an FIR against Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Varda and 11 others for “disturbing the peace” in the state. According to Hargaon Police station SHO Brijesh Tripathi, a case was filed against 11 persons including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda and Ajay Kumar Lallu under Section 107/16 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Earlier in the day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had claimed that she has been detained for the last 28 hours without any order or FIR.

As many as eight people died in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on Sunday. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) had on Sunday issued a statement regarding the incident claiming the death of four farmers and alleged that one of the four farmers was shot dead by Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni’s son, while the others have been allegedly run over by the vehicles of his convoy.

Meanwhile, refuting SKM’s allegations, MoS Teni said that his son was not present at the spot, adding that some miscreants merged with protesting farmers and pelted the stones on the car which lead to the ‘unfortunate incident’.