Yogi Adityanath Meets Family of Deceased Trader, Promises Compensation and Justice
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the family of Mohit Pandey, a trader who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, and announced a compensation package of ₹10 lakh. The government will also cover the education expenses for Pandey’s children.
Pandey, 30, died on Saturday after being allegedly assaulted by police following his arrest related to an unspecified case, according to family claims. During the meeting, the chief minister expressed his condolences and assured the family that strict action would be taken against those responsible for his death.
The bereaved family, including Pandey’s mother, Tapeshwari Devi, and his wife, felt a sense of relief after the encounter. Devi stated, “We are satisfied after meeting the chief minister. He assured us that he is fully aware of the case and that there will be no leniency. Once the investigation is complete, strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
Officials present at the meeting included Bakshi Ka Talab MLA Yogesh Kumar Shukla and councillor Shailendra Verma. Pandey was a resident of Jainabad in the Chinhat area, and his family alleges that police brutality was the cause of his death, which has since sparked widespread outrage and political backlash against the ruling BJP government.
According to police reports, Pandey was taken to a community health center after he fell ill in custody and later referred to a larger hospital, where he was pronounced dead. However, his brother, Shobharam, claims that he witnessed the police beat Pandey severely before he was taken to the hospital.
A CCTV clip purportedly showing Pandey lying in the lockup has circulated online, further fueling allegations of police misconduct. Family members contend that authorities leaked only a small portion of the footage to protect themselves, asserting that Pandey was beaten to death.
In light of public outcry, an FIR has been filed against the police personnel involved, with charges including murder and criminal conspiracy. The officer in charge of the police station has also been suspended.
The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with leaders from the Samajwadi Party, Congress, and Bahujan Samaj Party condemning the government’s handling of police brutality. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the term “police custody” should be replaced with “torture house,” while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP for fostering an environment of fear and violence in the state.
This incident marks the second alleged police custody death in Lucknow this month, following the case of a Dalit youth, Aman Gautam, who also died in police custody, prompting similar outcry and calls for accountability.
