Video of farmers run over by SUV in Uttar Pradesh goes viral
A video, apparently of an SUV running over slogan-shouting farmers marching in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri, has surfaced on social media and has even been shared by Varun Gandhi, an MP of the ruling BJP. Eight people, including four farmers, were killed in the incident on Sunday.
The video, being shared widely on social media, is yet to be verified by the police. NDTV cannot independently verify its authenticity. It is also not clear from the visuals who is in the driving seat.
In the 25-second video clip, the SUV rams protesters, who fall to the ground, while others scramble to get out of the way. Another vehicle, with sirens blaring, is seen tailing the SUV that hit the farmers.
The video matches descriptions given to NDTV on Sunday by farmers at the spot, who said the car suddenly hit them from behind. The make and colour of the lead SUV that hits the farmers also matches other visuals from the site.
The farmers have alleged that the protesters were run over by an SUV driven by Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra’s son Ashish Mishra. Both the Minister and his son have denied even being at the spot.
The incident took place when a group of protesting farmers in Tikonia area of Kheri tried to block Mr Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya from visiting. The protesters were upset over a recent speech by Mr Mishra.
The farmers claimed the violence broke out after a car in the minister’s convoy ran over protesters. Visuals from the area showed arson and vehicles set on fire.
A murder case has been filed against the Union minister’s son.