UP journalist death: Guv Ram Naik asks Akhilesh to ensure impartial probe

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik on Thursday advised Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to get an impartial inquiry conducted into the alleged killing of Shahjahanpur scribe so that the facts come to light.

Naik met the chief minister at Raj Bhawan and held a detailed discussion over the death of journalist Jagendra Singh, stated an official spokesman.

The Governor said as the incident involved a journalist, it has become a subject of discussion not only in the state but across the country.

Naik said there was a need to instill confidence among people by ensuring a fair inquiry and said that several political parties, journalist associations and other organisations had submitted memoranda to him in connection with the matter.

A delegation of BJP and Congress leaders had on Wednesday met the Governor demanding dismissal of Minister of State for Backward Classes Welfare Ram Murti Verma, who has been accused of orchestrating the journalist’s murder.

Naik also talked of providing proper financial assistance to Singh’s family.

Akhilesh said a detailed inquiry was being conducted by IG Bareilly range R K S Rathore and assured the Governor that the probe would be conducted in an impartial, speedy and justifiable manner.

The Allahabad High Court also has directed the state government to file a status report within a week in the matter and has asked government counsel to inform it about the stage of investigation by 24 June along with their objections raised during course of hearing the matter.

Singh was allegedly set on fire by policemen on 1 June during a raid at his house at Vikas Colony in Sadar Bazar, Shahjahanpur, and he died during treatment at a hospital in Lucknow on 8 June.

PTI