New Delhi: A Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Centre and Utta Pradesh Government for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Shahjahanpur based journalist Jagendra Singh. SC had issued it on a plea seeking CBI probe in the issue.
The apex court vacation bench headed by Justice MY Eqbal issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) after senior counsel Adish C Aggarwal urged the court to direct the CBI to probe the case.
PIL petitioner DS Jain also urged the court to frame guidelines and issue directions that in the case of an unnatural death of a journalist, the investigation should be monitered by the district and sessions judge of the area concerned.
The journalist was allegedly set on fire by policemen on June 1 during a raid at his house at Vikas Colony in Sadar Bazar, Shahjahanpur. Singh died during the treatment at a hospital in Lucknow on June 8.
The family members of Jagendra Singh have alleged that UP Cabinet Minister Ram Murti Verma has orchestrated the killing of the Shahjahanpur scribe.
The minister has been named in the FIR lodged by Jagendra’s son and had been booked under IPC section 120B (criminal conspiracy) but since Ram Murti Verma still holds office the probe was not progressing and the scribe’s family was on hunger strike demanding justice, he said.
The family members of Jagendra Singh had earlier urged for a CBI enquiry into his alleged murder case.
Rahul Singh, the son the deceased has claimed that few ministers of the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) are putting pressure on him and his family to take back the case.
Rahul had also claimed that the ministers are luring him and his family with job and money. He also said that the ministers are pressurising him and are competing with each other to offer us money.
While talking to a media group, Rahul said, “Ministers are ready to offer any amount to compensate my father’s death, as if some betting is going on. One is offering Rs 10 lakh while the another is ready to give Rs 20 lakh. They are luring us and can go to any extent so that we take back the case.”
In an veiled attempt to threaten Jagendra’s family, as per Rahul, the ministers said, “Think twice about taking any step. This media will not be with you always. If we put Rs 50,000 in an envelop and put into their pockets nobody will come to rescue you and your family.”
Further talking to media Pawan, Rahul said, “SI Vinod Mishra told us that your father has burnt himself and the minister has not done anything. You do one thing, take Rs 8-10 lakh for your father’s treatment. We will also provide you government job.”
Bureau Report
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