Four farmers are killed and 12-15 seriously injured by three vehicles belonging to the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Ajay Kumar Mishra, and his son, Ashish Mishra. The farmers were returning after staging a protest and showing black flags at a helipad in Tikonia near Lakhimpur Kheri, UP [5]. One independent journalist was also killed in the incident. Reportedly, after the protest got over and farmers were dispersing and returning, Ashish Mishra with a convoy of three fast-moving vehicles, mowed down the farmers. There was also news of firing on the farmers. The Minister of State Home, Ajay Mishra was heard threatening farmers in a public function a few days back; he was especially threatening Sikh farmers of the terai region [6]. Further, SKM demanded the registering of the case under Section 302 against Ashish Mishra, dismissal of Ajay Mishra from the cabinet, and investigation of the incident by a sitting Supreme Court judge. SKM also gives a call to protest at district headquarters all over the country on October 4. On the night of October 3, cases under various sections including 302 are registered against Ajay Mishra and Ashish Mishra, and others. Section 144 is imposed in Lakhimpur Kheri, internet services are suspended, and many opposition leaders across UP are house arrested or stopped from reaching the place of the incident.
