When Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called on Governor Ram Naik at Raj Bhawan he had an advise waiting for him – get an impartial probe done in journalist’s death as all eyes are on Uttar Pradesh as people are eagerly following the developments.
Yadav had almost 45 minute meeting with Naik where scribe Jagendra Singh’s death was the centre of discussion. “There was detailed discussion between Governor and Chief Minister over the death of Jagendra Singh. Governor has advised Chief Minister to get the issue probed impartially as the issue pertains to a journalist and is very sensitive,” Raj Bhawan source said on Thursday.
He said Governor even said that all the eyes are on Uttar Pradesh and people want to see what action does the state government takes on this issue. “Governor has told CM that the need of the hour is to instill confidence among the people and this can only be done through an impartial probe,” the spokesman said.
Governor also suggested that family members of deceased journalist should be give adequate compensation. He even said that many political parties, journalist organizations and other institutions have given him representation regarding impartial probe into the matter.
Chief Minister, on his part, informed Governor that IG Bareilly range RKS Rathore is holding an enquiry. He assured Governor that probe would be impartial and the family members of the deceased would get justice.
A senior minister in Samajwadi Party Government Shivpal Singh Yadav has however made it clear that it will not take any action against the minister until he is proved guilty in the police probe.
A freelance journalist Jagendra Singh was set on fire alive by policemen on June 1. In his dying declaration Singh had implicated Minister of State for Backward Class Development department Ram Murti Singh Yadav. The scribe died on June 8. His family members are sitting on dharna demanding arrest of the said minister and probe by CBI.
Governor had spoken to Rahul, son of deceased scribe Rahul, and had assured all help to the family members.