Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: Priyanka Gandhi's detention 'totally illegal', says Chidambaram

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with a 5-member party delegation is expected to visit violence-hit Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday (today), however, he has been denied permission by CM Yogi Adityanath government. | READ MORE

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke to the kin of farmers and the journalist killed in the Lakhimpur violence over the phone from the Sitapur guest house, where she has been detained, a party leader said on Tuesday.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday described party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's detention as "totally illegal" and claimed it has "conclusively" established that there is no rule of law in Uttar Pradesh as the police seem to be carrying out Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's law and his order.

We (including Priyanka Gandhi) are in custody in Sitapur police lines for about last 40 hours. No one is allowed to meet us. If we're in police custody, we should have been produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, which has not happened. We were told that we were arrested under Section 151 of IPC, under which police can't detain us for more than 24 hours. Through media, we got to know that an FIR has been filed against us but the police are not sharing anything with us: Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wanted to visit Lakhimpur Kheri but as Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in the district, the administration has stopped the entry of political leaders. We've stopped Priyanka Gandhi in Sitapur: DM Sitapur Vishal Bhardwaj

"Heart breaking to meet the family of the young farmer who was crushed to death in #LakhimpurKheri. @MamataOfficial stands with the farmers to repeal the black laws & stop these brutal injustices. She fought in Singur & she assured to continue fighting for farmers of India." tweets TMC leader Sushmita Dev

Equating the barbarous incident of Lakhimpur Kheri with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said that the incident was pre-planned to intentionally crush the innocent farmers who were peacefully protesting against the farm laws: State Govt

Before meeting Raut said, "Priyanka Gandhi is arrested so it's necessary to meet Rahul Gandhi. If the law is equal for everyone then why Priyanka Gandhi is in jail & the minister is roaming free."

Navjot Sidhu tweets, "Punjab Congress to march towards Lakhimpur if Priyanka Gandhi not freed, minister's son not arrested"

A petition has been filed in Supreme Court seeking direction to the Ministry of Home Affairs & police to register FIR and "punish the ministers" involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident during farmers' protest in Uttar Pradesh on October 3. The plea filed by two lawyers also seeks setting up of high-level judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court involving CBI in stipulated time.

RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary has demanded that President's rule should be imposed in Uttar Pradesh. He also accused the Yogi Adityanath government of suppressing the Lakhimpur Kheri truth. "Yogi govt has put entire state machinery to work to thwart Opposition, no separation between state and party," Jayant said.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Ghulam Ahmad Mir was briefly detained by police here on Tuesday as the party took out a protest march against the detention of Priyanka Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi was detained on Monday in Sitapur in UP while on her way to Lakhimpur where eight people were killed in violence on Sunday. Four of the dead were farmers allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.

With opposition leaders prevented from going to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday called for joint action by political parties against this "oppression" and will meet Rahul Gandhi in this regard. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who reached Lakhimpur Kheri in the wee hours on Monday was detained in Sitapur and was not allowed to enter the village where eight persons lost their lives in violent clashes on Sunday. Many other leaders from opposition parties, including the Congress, AAP, SP and the BSP, have been detained by the UP government and prevented from going to Lakhimpur Kheri.

The family of a 19-year-old farmer, who died in Sunday's violence, has refused to cremate the body until they are provided the autopsy report.

"My son was crushed under a car. There has been no action against the person responsible. The administration is trying to cover up," said Lovepreet's father and added, "He had left home saying he was heading out for a good cause."

Lovepreet's body has been kept in a casket and the entire family is waiting for the autopsy report.

BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Tuesday shared a video clip purportedly showing an SUV mowing down farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, and demanded that police immediately identify and arrest those involved in the incident. The authenticity of the video has not yet been verified.

"This video of vehicles deliberately crushing farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri will shake anyone's soul. Police should take cognisance of the video, identify the owners of these vehicles and their occupants, identify others involved in the incident and immediately arrest them," Gandhi said.

Mandis hasn't yet started paddy procurement. All terms and conditions including the cap of 25 quintals should be removed. Govt should start procurement from today onwards otherwise from tomorrow we request farmers to gherao the political leaders: Haryana BKU chief Gurnam S Chaduni

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir along with party workers stage a protest in Srinagar, against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's detention. Mir was briefly detained by police following his protests

FIR registered against 11 people including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deependra Hooda and Ajay Kumar Lallu for disturbing the peace: SHO Hargaon Police Station, Sitapur district

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today slammed the UP government and said Priyanka Gandhi's detention is "completely illegal and utterly shameful".

"It's completely illegal and utterly shameful. She was arrested at 4:30 am, before sunrise by a male police officer. She has not been taken to a judicial magistrate so far yet," said Chidambaram.

Slamming the state govt, Chidambaram further said, "Law and order in UP means Mr. Aditynath's law and order which is not the criminal procedure code."

He went on to allege, "This is a violation of the fundamental right of Priyanka Gandhi and other detainees. CM Yogi Adityanath and BJP are making India an unfree country."

A day after FIR was filed against Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Ajay Mishra Teni's son, Ashish Mishra Teni, the MoS for Home said his son is ready to depose before any investigating agency.

"An FIR has been registered. In our country, there is a rule of law and everyone has a right to file a complaint. During the evidence collection, everything will become clear. Investigators can check our call detail record, mobile location etc. It will become crystal clear that my son was not at the spot when the incident happened. My son is ready to depose before investigating agencies," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Mohsin Raza has alleged that the Opposition parties wanted to flare up riots in Lakhimpur Kheri in an attempt to create a negative environment.

"Opposition parties are creating a negative environment. They wanted to flare up riots. These people always try to find opportunities in the face of disaster; they do politics over the dead," Raza said. 

Raza also lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the manner he tackled the issue and also the law and order situation in the area.

Soon after Priyanka Gandhi was arrested in Sitapur, Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted and said "When in doubt walk the path of truth"

We want that a sitting SC judge should investigate the Lakhimpur incident instead of a retired HC judge so that truth can come out. Govt is suppressing farmers' voices but they will not succeed. We're with farmers and will take every step to solve their problems: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

Bhupesh Baghel, who was stopped at the Lucknow airport today, took to Twitter and posted a video. The Chhattisgarh chief minister is staging a sit-in protest at the airport

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday claimed that he is not being allowed to leave the Lucknow airport, where he arrived to meet Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur.

"I came to Lucknow to proceed to meet Priyanka Gandhi ji at Sitapur. But I am not being allowed to leave the airport," he said.

"I am being stopped from going out of Lucknow airport without any orders," Baghel tweeted in Hindi.

Taking to Twitter, Mehbooba Mufti today said, "We are a democracy on paper but clearly the grim descent into a banana republic has begun."

Sitapur Police have arrested Priyanka Gandhi today, who was detained on Monday while on her way to Lakhimpur. The police have also registered FIR against her under several sections including violation of Section 144

BSP National Spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria has questioned the UP govt as to what was it doing to provide justice to the farmers.

"As far as the Lakhimpur Kheri incident is concerned it is "Black Day in Indian history" where so many farmers have been crushed to death and no FIR has been registered, no action has been taken against such people. The nation wants to know what is the Uttar Pradesh government doing about giving justice to the farmers and to the society," Bhadoria said. 

Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti has said Priyanka Gandhi and others in her party do not have the right to speak about farmers and democracy, the comments coming in the backdrop of recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district.

Bharti in a series of tweets in Hindi said, “Congress general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Mrs. Vadra and other Congress leaders do not have the right to speak on issues over which they are speaking,”

The senior BJP leader claimed that agriculture and farmers were "left behind" because immediately after independence, (Mahatma) Gandhiji's dream of considering agriculture as the country's main economic base was "destroyed" by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

“The Congress, which imposed Emergency in the country, has lost the right to pronounce the word democracy…Congress leaders and workers burnt 10,000 Sikhs alive. So, the word non-violence doesn't suit Congress,” she further claimed.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today hit out at the Uttar Pradesh govt and PM Narendra Modi over the Lakhimour incident and said, "Uttar Pradesh government's reaction to people raising their voice is violence and suppression."

"Why is PM Narendra Modi not visiting Lakhimpur Kheri to meet families hit by violence?", Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked today. 

Slamming the UP govt, Priyanka Gandhi today said, "Uttar Pradesh govt became aggressor rather than being supporter, facilitator. Focus of Uttar Pradesh govt is propaganda and public relations to enable itself to remain in power."

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that no person has been arrested so far in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri incident and alleged that Uttar Pradesh Police arrested his party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for consoling the family of deceased farmers.

Shivakumar said that Congress is following Mahatma Gandhi's way of protest.

"The lesson that Gandhiji taught us is to fight on the path of non-violence... We are following the Gandhiji way of protest," said Shivakumar.

A letter petition has been moved before the Allahabad High Court seeking a CBI probe into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, the Live Law today reported. 

The plea moved by Swadesh NGO and Prayag Legal Aid Clinic through advocate Gaurav Dwivedi avers that the State Government of Uttar Pradesh failed to Secure the Right to Life and Personal Liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution of India of the deceased persons.

The plea further states that due to this dreadful incident, the law and order of the State of Uttar Pradesh is in great danger and any mishappening may take place if preventive actions are not taken by the state at the earliest.

No action has been taken against the culprits of the incident (Lakhimpur Kheri) yet. It's very unfortunate that leaders are celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' in the same state (Uttar Pradesh) where justice has been denied: Chhattisgarh CM, Bhupesh Baghel

Congress workers continue to protest against Priyanka Gandhi's detention at a guest house in Sitapur

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri incident today, at 6 pm: Sources

Priyanka Gandhi today released a video message on her Twitter handle, wherein she was heard talking about the video she had tweeted before. 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today said this is not the time to celebrate. Uttar Pradesh is grieving the killing of farmers, he said. 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel arrives in Lucknow, will head to state Congress office in a while

Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana on Tuesday criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over sealing the district borders and stopping the opposition leaders from visiting Lakhimpur Kheri, where 8 people, including 4 farmers, died on Sunday. 

"Yogi-government sealed the borders of Lakhimpur Kheri, arrested Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her way to the site of the incident. MP Hooda was also ill-treated during his visit. Akhilesh Yadav was also put under house arrest," the Saamana editorial alleged.
"If the India-China border at Ladakh be sealed the way the border of Lakhimpur Kheri has been sealed, there would have been no infiltration by Chinese soldiers," it said.

Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda on Tuesday claimed that he has been under detention for the last 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur.

"Today after 24 hours have passed, we are still in custody like criminals for the second day, and those who crushed the farmers are free. The land of Lakhimpur was turned red with the blood of farmers, but every drop of this blood will write the story of the coming revolution. Police Line Sitapur, from police custody," Hooda tweeted.

Raising his voice against Priyanka Gandhi's detention, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter today and said, "the one who has been detained will not be scared, she will not step back."

Raising questions over the detention of Priyanka Gandhi, Randeep Singh Surjewala today took to Twitter and attacked the govt. Surjewala said those who are guilty of killing farmers have yet not been arrested, while the one who had gone to empathise with the families of the deceased has been detained. 

Priyanka Gandhi today took to Twitter and said she has been detained without order or an FIR. She also tweeted a viral video, allegedly of the Lakhimpur incident, wherein a vehicle is seen running over farmers

Congress supporters continue to protest outside PAC guest house in Sitapur where party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is detained

Last rites of farmers killed during protests to be performed today

Protesters blocked Shambhu Toll Plaza in Haryana following the arrest of Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Chaduni, late last night. 

Chaduni, who was detained on way to Lakhimpur Kheri, was later released.

Congress supporters stage protest, demand "release of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra" outside PAC guest house in Sitapur where she is detained

About 18 people were arrested after police personnel sustained burn injuries in the wake of the protest (over Lakhimpur row). More or less, the protest was peaceful but some organisations took law into their hands, didn't bother about others' lives: Vineet Bhatnagar, SP City, Meerut

Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union chief Gurnam Singh Chaduni released. 

"Section 144 has been imposed there (Lakhimpur) and possibly, his visit could have affected law and order situation, which is why he was detained. We have released him," Meerut SSP Prabhakar Chaudhary

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked BJP governments at the Centre and Uttar Pradesh over the death of farmers during a protest, claiming that "autocracy" prevails in the country and "killing Raj" is going on in that state.

The saffron party in West Bengal hit back claiming that Banerjee should be the last person to comment on political violence as the state had witnessed brutality after the assembly elections held earlier this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi must sack Union minister Ajay Mishra over the violence which left eight people dead, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary demanded on Monday after meeting families of the victims in the village.

Chaudhary also claimed the villagers told him during the meeting that the violence appeared "pre-meditated" and hoped the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath "does not prosecute farmers".

As uneasy calm prevails in Lakhimpur Kheri, BJP's central leadership is keeping a close watch on developments in the violence-hit district.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the Lakhimpur Kheri violence and demanded that Ajay Kumar Mishra be "immediately" removed as the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs to ensure an impartial probe into the incident in Uttar Pradesh.

It also demanded that Mishra's son who is an accused in the case be immediately arrested. Eight people were killed in the violence that erupted during a farmers' protest.

"We weren't allowed to meet the kin of farmers who died in Lakhimpur Kheri incident. We somehow reached the hospital where post-mortem of bodies were conducted and we're hearing that their cremation will be done tonight as PM will visit Lucknow tomorrow for an event," TMC's Sushmita Dev said.

Youth Congress activists on Monday staged demonstrations in all Rajasthan’s against the killing of farmers in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district and the arrest of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on her way to the violence-hit place there. The effigy of the UP government was burnt by the Youth Congress members who raised slogans against the Yogi Adityanath government. Congress members also took out a candle march in Jaipur which was attended by state Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas.

Members of Youth Congress staged a protest in Delhi against the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident, where 8 persons, including 4 farmers lost their lives during a protest. The incident took place on Sunday.

We condemn the unfortunate incident that happened in Lakhimpur Kheri and demand that the guilty should be arrested. The reason behind this incident is three farm laws... I along with my ministers met Governor Banwarilal Purohit and gave him the memorandum to repeal the three farm laws, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said.

"My only demand was that I wanted to go there and express my condolences (to the victims of Lakhimpur violence), these people (UP administration) have taken all this action to stop me from going there, but till the time I meet victim's families, there is no question of me going back. The incident has happened and that is the main issue, my arrest is not a big issue. The issue is that the 'annadata' (farmers) of the country are being harassed for a year, with whose hard work this country has been made, whose sons are fighting on border..." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.

Further speaking on UP Police's conduct, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "cops came and said section 144 is in force so you cannot proceed. We said that there are 5 people and there is no violation of section 144. When I protested, 8-10 women surrounded me by making chains, at that time they pushed me a little, were not allowing me to walk, pulled my colleague Deepender Hooda in the car and also punched a fellow. My anger was because you don't have any legal basis..."

Questioning Yogi government's conduct against her, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in an exclusive conversation with India TV said, "They (police) didn't show me any papers or warrant to arrest me so I will call it as 'kidnapping'.

Speaking exclusively to India TV, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned why the Uttar Pradesh government didn't arrest Ajay Mishra's son.

We demand that for a free-fair investigation, a High court or Supreme court sitting judge should monitor the inquiry of this incident (Lakhimpur). It's state-sponsored violence. Both state & centre has to be blamed for this (Lakhimpur) incident because the Home MoS made a provocative speech a few days ago that within 2 minutes will finish all things (farmer protest) which led to this incident, said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

CM Yogi Adityanath is becoming the dictator of UP. It's illegal detention & we condemn it. She (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) must be released. Those who've arrested her should be held & a probe should be initiated. We'll not tolerate such misbehaviour with our leader, said Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP.

Businessman Robert Vadra on Monday said that Congress Uttar Pradesh General Secretary and his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should have been allowed to meet families of the victims of Lakhimpur violence. He said that Priyanka is a strong woman and she won't get intimated like this. Priyanka was stopped by police officials while she was on her way to Lakhimpur to meet victim families. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Irate farmers in Punjab and Haryana held demonstrations at many places in both states on Monday, demanding the arrest of Union minister Ajay Mishra's son in connection with the violence that broke out during a farmers' protest in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri. The protesters burnt effigies of the Centre and the UP government at various places and raised slogans against the BJP. Holding demonstrations outside the offices of deputy commissioners, the farmers demanded that Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra be sacked in connection with the violence. The demonstrations were held at Patiala, Mohali, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Rupnagar, Moga, Muktsar in Punjab, Ambala, Kurukshetra and Fatehabad in Haryana and UT Chandigarh.

With Lakhimpur Kheri turning a political battleground, KN Govindacharya, a former key RSS and BJP functionary, on Monday appealed to political parties to give primacy to the interests of farmers and not theirs and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to not treat the violence there as merely a law and order issue. Expressing his anguish at the incident, he said three aspects of caution must be maintained. The Uttar Pradesh government should keep the extent, depth and complexity of the issue in mind in its response and not merely treat it as a law and order problem, he said.

BKS said that Lakhimpur Kheri violence was carried out using 'leftist methods' and people were mercilessly beaten to death, something farmers cannot do.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Monday wondered if crushing farmers and stifling the voice of opposition leaders who stand in their support was the BJP's new strategy, a day after eight people were killed in violence that erupted during a farmers' protest at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. "Farmers have been run over allegedly by the car of a minister's son (in Lakhimpur Kheri). Where does such cruelty come from?" asked the Rajya Sabha member, whose party shares power with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra. 

RSS-affiliated farmer union Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has said that farmers are not involved in Lakhimpur Kheri violence and that people from various political parties are behind it.

Robert Vadra, the husband of Priyanka Gandhi, said, "I am in regular contact with Priyanka...I am talking to her. We all are concerned about her security. She is fighting for the farmers... She was going to meet the families (of farmers who were killed) in Lakhimpur Kheri. This would not have become an issue if she was allowed to meet."

The (Lakhimpur Kheri) incident is very shocking. Where is our democracy? Now you're (UP Govt) announcing a judicial inquiry with a retired HC judge, we can't accept it. Because there is a need for a sitting judge to investigate the matter: Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar's statement is unfortunate. Priyanka Gandhi wants to go to Lakhimpur Kheri & sympathise with farmers but the state (UP) govt is afraid and didn't allow her. We demand a judicial inquiry into the incident: Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot

Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, along with several party MLAs, held a protest outside the Raj Bhavan here on Monday against the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in Uttar Pradesh. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sat on a hunger strike on Monday after being detained in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur while she was en route to Lakhimpur Kheri, her party said. Gandhi and other Congress leaders accompanying her, including Deepender Hooda, had reached the Lakhimpur border in the morning but were not allowed to meet the families of the farmers who died in the violence during a protest a day earlier, the party alleged. "Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi has been arrested. She is on hunger strike. Congressmen are protesting. Government will have to bow to our demands. Voice for justice will be raised with more strength," the UP Congress said in a tweet.

"I want to request PM Modi to leave his arrogance and accept farmer's demands and repeal the three laws. So that the lives of farmers could be saved," says SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal

UP Home Department denies landing permission to Punjab CM Channi in Lakhimpur Kheri. 

In a written response, the UP Home Department says, "Due to imposition of Sec 144 in Lakhimpur Kheri, it's not possible to grant permission for the visit of Punjab CM and Deputy CM."

"The UP govt is conducting a fair investigation into this. The Opposition should also support us in this and no one should give provoking statements till truth comes out. It shouldn't be exaggerated or politicised," says Union Minister Kaushal Kishore on Lakhimpur Kheri incident

"People who ran vehicles on peaceful protesting farmers in Lakhimpur should be arrested. A case of sedition should be registered against Haryana CM ML Khattar for his statement," says Sidhu during Congress protest in Chandigarh

Farmers protest in Punjab's Ludhiana over Lakhimpur Kheri violence

"I'll be visiting Lakhimpur Kheri to show solidarity with the people who've been murdered by Union Minister's son. It's a heinous crime. It's high time, Modi govt should withdraw the 3 farm laws and he should remove this Minister," says AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Hyderabad

Four dead bodies have been taken for postmortem after the farmers and the government reached an agreement today. Last rites will be performed tomorrow.

"Leaders of political parties have not been allowed to visit the district because Section 144 of CrPC is in place. However, members of farmer unions are allowed to come here," says ADG (Law & Order) Prashant Kumar in Lakhimpur Kheri

"It has already been made clear that no guilty will be spared. Arrests will also be made very soon. Post-mortem of bodies will be conducted as per law & last rites will be conducted as per their religious beliefs," says ADG 

Congress stages protest over Lakhimpur Kheri incident lead by AICC General Secy Harish Rawat in Dehradun 

"Priyanka Gandhi and Deependra Hooda were stopped in Sitapur on their way to Lakhimpur Kheri. Hooda was assaulted. They've been detained illegally. This practice of preventing political leaders from free movement is very hazardous. Priyanka should be released," says Rajiv Shukla, Congress

"Tomorrow, there will be gherao of DM's office in every district across the country. It will become a countrywide movement. I demand the PM and UP CM take strict action against those responsible," says Rajiv Shukla

Deployment of two companies each of RAF and SSB will continue in Lakhimpur Kheri till October 6, as per an order by Union Home Ministry

"Priyanka Gandhi wants to visit Lakhimpur but this govt is afraid of her because if she visits, then the truth will come out. They detained and misbehaved with her. She has decided not to return until we meet the victim families," says UP Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu

"I demand that Rs 50 lakhs be given to the families of each BJP worker who was killed yesterday. The matter should be investigated either by CBI, SIT or by a sitting/retired judge and strict action be taken against the culprits," says Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni in Lakhimpur Kheri

Navjot Singh Sidhu has been taken into police custody. He, along with some other MLAs had planned to protest over the Lakhimpur incident today

"Why are not we allowed to go to Lakhimpur Kheri and meet victims' families? Yesterday, police misbehaved with Priyanka Gandhi and stopped her in Sitapur without any warrant. Is sympathizing with anyone now a crime?" asks Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel

"BJP wants to suppress opposition and crush any voice that is against them. Haryana CM ML Khattar's statement also shows their mentality that wants to end every opposition. This is dictatorship. We will not tolerate it," says Baghel

Navjot Singh Sidhu, along with Punjab MLAs and Barinder Dhillon will today protest outside the Governor House, Chandigarh, demanding the arrest of the accused

Kuljit Singh Nagra says no incident similar to what has happened in Lakhimpur has happened earlier. 

Priyanka Gandhi, detained earlier today, cleans up the space where she is held up

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya calls off all programs scheduled for Chitrakoot today

The farmers and government have reached an agreement that an ex-gratia of Rs 45 lakh each will be given to the victims' families and a judicial inquiry will be ordered in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Monday wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind, demanding that Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra be sacked in connection with the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri. "Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni should be immediately dismissed from his post, and a case should be filed against him for inciting violence and spreading communal hatred. The Union minister's son, Ashish Mishra "Monu", and his fellow goons should be immediately booked under IPC section 302 (murder) and arrested immediately," the letter said.

"I strongly condemn the incident. Those responsible should be arrested and an inquiry should be initiated. We're sending a delegation (to Lakhimpur Kheri). The situation is getting worse but Central Govt doesn't understand the emotions of farmers," says SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal

Union Minister Ajay Mishra has accused Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait of creating instability in Uttar Pradesh and has demanded that an FIR should be lodged against him.
 

Aam Aadmi Party said that a party delegation led by Punjab Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema along with Raghav Chadha, Kultar Sandhwa and Baljinder Kaur will leave for Lakhimpur Kheri today.

National Highway 9 at the Ghazipur border has been partially opened. Traffic movement now allowed from Delhi to Ghaziabad 

Expressing solidarity with bereaved families of farmers, I'm leaving for Lakhimpur Kheri to be with my brothers and sisters in this hour of grief. I've also sought permission from UP Govt to allow landing/taking off of chopper at the site: Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi

SAD calls core committee emergency meeting tomorrow. 

Sukhbir Badal calls off his program which was scheduled to be held in Jalandhar

In a tweet, Omar Abdullah has termed Uttar Pradesh as the new Jammu and Kashmir

"I strongly condemn the detention of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi ji and other leaders by the Uttar Pradesh Police. She is a prominent opposition leader and was on her way to meet the families of farmers who were killed yesterday in Lakhimpur Kheri district... The unlawful detention of opposition leaders is against democratic values," Gehlot said.

"Priyanka ji was going to stand with the families who lost their loved ones in yesterday's violence. It is totally unfair to stop them for discharging duty," Gehlot said.

"The type of despicable attack on farmers is being condemned all over India. I would like to say that 8 farmers have lost their lives in such a way as in the Jallianwala Bagh incident where unarmed people were killed. Farmer is our Annadata. Should they be crushed to death with a car? Nothing could be more painful than this. I demand that severe punishment be given," BSP national spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria said.

Heavy traffic on Delhi Noida Direct Flyway at the toll plaza. 

As a precautionary measure, vehicles are being checked while ensuring that no congestion takes place. The traffic towards Delhi is normal. Efforts are on to ease the traffic towards Noida as well: Ganesh Saha, DCP (Traffic), Gautam Buddh Nagar at the toll plaza on DND Flyway

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has tweeted over the detention of party leader Sanjay Singh

In a letter addressed to the President of India, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has demanded action on the killing of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri

Here are the pointers of the letter

• Union Home Minister Ajay Mishra Teni should be immediately dismissed from his post and a case should be filed against him for inciting violence and spreading communal hatred
• The Union Minister's son Ashish Mishra "Monu" and his fellow goons should be immediately booked for 302 (murder) and arrested immediately
• The investigation of this incident should be done by an SIT under the supervision of the Supreme Court
• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is inciting violence while holding a constitutional post, should be sacked from his post

Punjab Govt's Civil Aviation director writes to UP Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi, informing him that CM Charanjit Singh Channi wants to visit Lakhimpur Kheri; seeks permission for landing of the CM's chopper

Farmers take out a protest march in Ambala over the death of farmers in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri

"People are demanding justice over the death of the farmers, however, no investigations are being carried as the accused in the case is the son of a union minister. There is complete 'gunda raj' in Uttar Pradesh," says Tejashwi Yadav

"As a citizen, I think there should a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge. Before that, the union minister must be dismissed or suspended at least during the inquiry as the incident took place with respect to his convoy," says Congress leader Kapil Sibal

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called an emergency meeting today to discuss the situation. The meeting will be attended by Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna, and other top Home department officials. 

"We're taking this matter seriously and it is under investigation. CM has said that culprits will be punished. Opposition is using the incident for political tourism and political competition as polls are around the corner."

"We've seen Priyanka Gandhi Vadra doing political tourism earlier. It is an attempt to hamper the probe and manipulate public opinion. This shouldn't happen. They should at least wait for 24 hours or visit after there's a result to the probe."

"There is no issue in presenting your opinion. But if they want to complete their journey till 2022 election over dead bodies, then it won't happen."

Shivpal Singh Yadav, who was on his way to Lakhimpur Kheri, detained by Lucknow Police at Engineering College Chauraha

Salman Khursheed and Pramod Tiwari are under house arrest in the latter’s house in Lucknow. They were going to join Priyanka Gandhi in providing legal aid.

Uttar Pradesh Govt writes to Punjab chief secretary, urging not to let anyone from the state go to Lakhimpur Kheri 

Akhilesh Yadav taken into custody outside his residence in Lucknow

Akhilesh Yadav has been detained by police forces in Lucknow. He had joined a sit-in protest outside his house after he was stopped from visiting violence-hit Lakhimpur Kheri

Why are people being stopped from visiting Lakhimpur Kheri? Section 144 has been imposed in Lakhimpur Kheri then why isn't one allowed to land in Lucknow? Do people no longer have rights in UP? Does one need a visa to visit UP?" asks Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel

"The way farmers have been treated shows their mentality. It shows that if you stand against them, you will be crushed," says Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on violence in Lakhimpur Kheri

"Even Britishers would not have committed the kind of atrocities this govt is committing against farmers. MoS Home Ajay Mishra and Deputy CM (Keshav Prasad Maurya) should resign. Rs 2 crores and govt job should be given to next of kin of the farmers who died," says Akhilesh Yadav

Rakesh Tikait demands the registration of a murder case against Union Minister of State Ajay Mishra Teni's son. He also demands compensation for the victims, removal of the minister and government jobs to the kin of victims.

"A case should be registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 120 (criminal conspiracy), Mishra should be removed from the post, compensation of Rs 1 crore to all the victims and also government jobs to the relatives of the family," Tikait demanded.

Police vehicle torched near Akhilesh Yadav's residence in Lucknow amid protests

Akhilesh Yadav joins sit-in protest outside his residence in Lucknow. Police forces stopped the SP leader after he stepped out of his house to reach Lakhimpur Kheri. Heavy police force has been deployed. 

"Due to the closure of National Highway 24 and National Highway 9 by Ghaziabad Police regarding protesters. Commuters going towards Ghaziabad from Sarai Kale Khan are advided to take alternate route," says Delhi Traffic Police

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cancels his scheduled visit to Shravasti and Bahraich districts today in the backdrop of violence in Lakhimpur Kheri

ANI has released latest visuals from violence-hit Lakhimpur Kheri

"We will communicate demands of the farmers to higher authorities and hold talks with them again later today," says Lakhimpur Kheri DM Arvind Kumar Chaurasiya after talks with farmers over yesterday's incident

Samajwadi Party workers gather outside the residence of Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow

BJP MP Varun Gandhi says a murder case under IPC section 302 should be lodged against those involved in the death of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, emphasising that protesting farmers should be dealt with restraint and patience. In a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gandhi also demands a CBI inquiry in the case in a time-bound manner and Rs 1 crore compensation to the family members of deceased farmers.

"I know you will not step back" - Rahul Gandhi

AAP MP Sanjay Singh has been detained while he departed from Sitapur and was on his way to Lakhimpur. The police have detained Sanjay Singh in Biswan 

Mobile internet services have been suspended in parts of violence-hit Lakhimpur, where restrictions under CrPC section 144 -- which prohibits assembly of four or more people -- has also been imposed

I've received a memorandum (from farmers), demanding dismissal of MoS Home (AK Mishra), registration of FIR based on their complaint, payment of ex gratia and govt jobs to the family of the deceased and judicial probe into yesterday’s incident: Lakhimpur Kheri DM AK Chaurasiya

Farmers have lodged a complaint against Union Minister of State for Home, Ajay Mishra Teni and his son Ashish Mishra Teni in Tikunia

BSP chief Mayawati said that house arrest if senior party leader Satish Chandra Mishra in Lucknow was unfortunate. She slammed the government for not allowing leaders to visit Lakhimpur  Kheri to get the correct report of the incident. "This is very sad and condemnable," she tweeted.

Police force deployed outside Akhilesh Yadav's residence ahead of his scheduled visit to Lakhimpur Kheri

Opposition parties have slammed the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh and demanded a judicial inquiry into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident where protesting farmers were allegedly crushed by a vehicle in which the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni was travelling.

UP Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi asks Lucknow airport not to allow Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel & Punjab Deputy CM Sukhjinder S Randhawa to land at the airport Baghel & Randhawa have announced to visit Lakhimpur Kheri today, where 8 people died in clashes.

A video tweeted by Congress' youth wing national president Srinivas BV shows Priyanka Gandhi speak on her detention

"The state government will go into depth and expose elements involved in the incident and will take strict action against them," says UP govt

Opposition parties have demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial probe into Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Rashtriya Lok Dal were among the parties that condemned the attack on farmers while demanding the probe and strict action against the accused.

Some parties, including the Congress, also demanded immediate sacking of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra, following Samyukt Kisan Morcha's allegation that his son was travelling in one of the vehicles involved in the incident.

Aam Aadmi Party has demanded a CBI probe into Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Kejriwal demanded that the perpetrators of "such a heinous crime" be given "strictest punishment".

The party's MP Sanjay Singh also demanded that "strictest punishment" be handed down to the "killers". He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the "three black farm laws" against which farmers have been protesting for the last 10 months.

The BKU has decided to stage a protest in every district across the country today. 

"The decision was taken during the panchayat held at Sisauli village and presided over by BKU's national president Naresh Tikait," the union's media incharge Dharmendra Malik said, adding, "It has been decided that farmers groups will stage a demonstration outside offices of the district administration in every district."

Rakesh Tikait held a meeting with officials of the authority over Lakhimpur violence. SSP, DM, Lucknow police commissioner were among others present at the meeting

Several political leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav are scheduled to reach Lakhimpur Kheri today

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait through his Twitter account shared some pictures while he was on the way to violence-hit Lakhimpur Kheri

"Adequate deployment has been done to prevent any untoward incident," says UP Police

“We are waiting outside Lakhimpur Kheri. We have been prevented by the police from entering. We have come here to meet the victims of the violence,” says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Rakesh Tikait along with several supporters reached Lakhimpur early Monday.

“We will first meet the farmers and villagers and discuss the situation with them. The future course of action will be done on the basis of the discussion with the villagers and farmers. Their decision will prevail,” Tikait told reporters at Banbirpur village.

Youth Congress National President Srinivas BV claims "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrested from Hargaon"

"Four farmers and four others have died (in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident). Probe underway. It's an unfortunate incident, should not be politicised," says Arvind Kumar Chaurasiya, DM, Lakhimpur Kheri

"We had this info that some farmers were peacefully protesting... Our route was diverted. During the same time, some unruly elements hidden among farmers attacked BJP workers' cars with lathis. We have a video of it," says MoS Home Ajay Mishra Teni

"...Some unruly elements attacked our workers, killed 4-5 of them. I was in Banbirpur from 9 am till the end...I have not been at the (incident) spot for 2 days...It could be that they don't like me and using politics," said Ashish Mishra, son of MoS Home Ajay Mishra

"Police have handed over a notice that says that our program in Lakhimpur has been suspended due to law and order situation and no party/leader is allowed. We have decided to suspend our program, will decide on the next steps tomorrow," says Satish Chandra Misra, BSP General Secy

"Today's incident shows that this government is using politics to mow down farmers. This is farmers' country not BJP's. I'm not committing any crime by deciding to meet victims' kin... Why are you stopping us? You should have warrant," says Priyanka Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders reached Lakhimpur early Monday but alleged they were not allowed to meet the victims of the violence that erupted during a farmers' protest and claimed eight lives a day earlier.

Priyanka Gandhi, who is accompanied by party leader Deepender Singh Hooda among others, had to take alternative routes to reach the destination as heavy security was deployed on the main roads amid tension in the violence-hit region.

"We want to visit Lakhmipur. Would they mow down farmers with cars for protesting the black law? We are not being allowed to move citing law and order disturbance there. We demand (written) order if they want to house arrest us," says Satish Chandra Misra, BSP General Secy

"I was at Banwaripur since 9 am till the end of the event. Allegations against me are completely baseless and I demand judicial inquiry of this matter and culprits should get punished."

"Our 3 vehicles went to receive Deputy CM for an event. On their way, some miscreants pelted stones, set cars on fire and killed our 3-4 workers by thrashing them with sticks," says Ashish Mishra, son of MoS Home Ajay Mishra Teni.

"There were miscreants among the farmers. Since the beginning of the farmers' agitation, many terror outfits including Babbar Khalsa are trying to create a chaotic situation. This incident was a result of the same."