Local journalist Raman Kashyap killed in Lakhimpur Kheri violence

Local journalist Raman Kashyap died in the violence that took place in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday, IANS reported, taking the death toll to 9.

Kashyap had been missing since Sunday’s violence. His body was found in the mortuary on Monday. As per Times of India, he was injured in the violence and succumbed during treatment.

Evening News reported that locals had said that the journalist’s family members had ascertained his identity when his body was taken for post mortem. However, official confirmation of the same had not been made so far.

Eight people, including Kashyap, were killed yesterday when violence erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday. Four of them were farmers.

As per reports, farmers had assembled to stop the visit of the union minister and deputy chief minister Keshav Maurta. Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni’s cars allegedly mowed down four of the farmers. Farmers alleged that Teni’s son Ashish Mishra was leading the convoy, although the minister has denied the same.

The other four people killed were BJP workers, as per media reports. Farmers allegedly beat them before setting their vehicles on fire, in retaliation.

Update

In a letter dated October 4, the Lucknow Journalists’ Association has requested the UP chief minister and chief secretary to offer financial help of Rs 1 crore along with a government job to Kashyap’s family. The association has also demanded that a judicial inquiry should probe the incident and the accused should be booked for murder.

The death toll, according to the police, is eight so far; this has been updated in the copy.