The Opposition has renewed its demand for removal of union minister Ajay Mishra after a special investigation team (SIT) report stated that the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3 was a “pre-planned conspiracy” to kill farmers. 

Targeting PM Narendra Modi, TMC MP Mohua Moitra said: “Enough of Ganga dubkkis. Get justice back on track, fire Ajay Mishra and see this end.” 

The SIT has made grave indictments against 13 accused in the case, including Ashish Mishra Teni, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni. 

The SIT has pleaded for addition of “attempt to murder” and other charges against the accused in the case.  

At least eight people were killed on October 3 at Lakhimpur Kheri during a farmers’ protest.  

Also read: Lakhimpur Kheri violence probe: It was ‘pre-planned’ conspiracy to kill farmers, says SIT

After four farmers were run over, allegedly by an SUV driven by Ashish Mishra, violence broke out in which four more, including a journalist, were killed. 

Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has demanded probe into the role of union minister Ajay Mishra into the incident. 

She said that the union minister has not been removed from his position because the government has an “anti-farmer” mindset. 

On the other hand, the famers’ body – the Samyukt Kisan Morcha said that the SIT report has reaffirmed the stand of protesting farmers that the incident was pre-planned. 

Also read: SIT investigation vindicates our stand on Lakhimpur Kheri violence, says farmers’ body

“The chief mastermind of the incident, Ajay Mishra Teni continues to roam free, and hold his position in the Union Government. In the light of the latest findings, SKM demands that the Modi government stop shielding this ‘conspirator of the Kisan massacre in Lakhimpur Kheri’,” the SKM said in a statement. 

“Indian farmers shall not forget this massacre, till we secure justice for the victims,” it said.