Justice for Mohit Pandey: CM Yogi steps into the mess following death scandal in Lucknow under police custody
LUCKNOW, October 28, 2024 - As public protest and political controversy grew over the killing of 27-year-old Mohit Pandey in police custody, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath met Mohit's family at his official residence on Sunday. The young man died inside the Chinhat police station here on Tuesday. This incident raised many questions against police brutality and a demand for accountability.
Grievance and Allegations by the Family
The UP Police claim that the health of Pandey went downhill while in their custody. They claim he was taken to the hospital and upon arrival, doctors declared him dead. But Mohit's family alleged that it was the brutal treatment meted out by the police that led to his death while he was still in their custody. The CCTV footage of the police station seems to depict the anxiety of Mohit at a certain point, although a person inside the lock-up had been seen trying to coax him, which only went to fuel the suspicion of a foul play.
मुख्यमंत्री श्री @myogiadityanath जी महाराज से आज उनके सरकारी आवास पर चिनहट, लखनऊ के पीड़ित परिवार ने भेंट की। इस अवसर पर बख्शी का तालाब विधान सभा क्षेत्र के माननीय विधायक श्री योगेश शुक्ला जी एवं क्षेत्रीय सभासद भी उपस्थित रहे।
— Yogi Adityanath Office (@myogioffice) October 28, 2024
महाराज जी ने पीड़ित परिवार के प्रति अपनी शोक… pic.twitter.com/s8uLfUXVC5
CM Yogi Assures
After the tragedy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Pandey's family and condoled them. The Chief Minister assured the family that the state government will take stern actions against those responsible for this tragedy. The Chief Minister also issued orders for a house to be provided to the family, free education for the children, and several other government benefits.
The Chief Minister's office also issued a statement on the social media platform X stating, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the bereaved family at his residence. He has assured full support, including immediate financial assistance and a commitment to justice."
Police Action and Investigation
Lucknow's Police Commissioner ordered suspension of the SHO of Chinhat Police Station after the incident. The sub-inspector Bharat Pathak has been appointed head of the police station and is conducting an unbiased inquiry. The authorities have confirmed that there will be no derailment of the probe into the circumstances under which Pandey died.
Public Outcry and Political Repercussions
The incident has triggered a storm in Uttar Pradesh, with opposition leaders demanding swift justice and an open inquiry. The local politicians and rights activists have also raised their voices against alleged police misconduct incidents in the region.
The way forward
The UP government has again restated its stand against custodial violence of any kind and vowed to investigate the case. Meanwhile, the family is waiting for justice in regard to the loss of Mohit Pandey, whose death has thrown a spotlight on police practices and accountability within the state.
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