Dead UP journalist’s family demands CBI probe, sits on dharna

“Our dharna will continue till the government recommends a CBI probe. We also want Verma to be removed as a minister because a fair investigation will not be possible till he holds the post. I have written to the chief minister seeking action against Verma,” said the deceased’s son, Rajan Singh, who is also the complainant in the case against Verma and his associates.

Rajan added: “Samajwadi Party leaders are approaching our relatives and offering money and government jobs to ensure that we withdraw the case.”

On June 8, Jagendra Singh, who sustained burns when he was reportedly set ablaze, died during treatment at a Lucknow hospital.

Rajan had lodged an FIR against Verma, his four associates, then SHO Shri Prakash Rai and four unidentified policemen for allegedly setting ablaze his father at his house on June 1. Rajan had alleged that his father was set ablaze because he was posting stories on Facebook to expose Verma’s corrupt practices and that the local police was acting at the minister’s behest.

Soon, a helpline for journalists

Lucknow: The SP government has come up with a plan to launch a helpline for journalists. Principal Secretary (Information) Navneet Sehgal said: “A helpline for journalists is in the works… If journalists have any problems, they will be able to convey it through the helpline and it will be suitably addressed.” ENS

Minister should be behind bars: Maya

Lucknow: BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday said UP minister Ram Murti Verma, an accused in the murder of a Shahjahanpur-based journalist, should have been arrested the day he was booked in the case. Mayawati slammed the SP government in the state, saying heinous crimes are taking place in all the 75 districts of the state everyday. “Two Dalits were murdered in Allahabad. A girl was set on fire in Fatehpur. Journalists exposing the bad deeds of the government are unsafe. The incidents of Shahjahanpur and Kanpur are the latest examples,” she said.

Sack the minister, arrest him: Punia

Allahabad: Senior Congress leader P L Punia Sunday called for the resignation and arrest of minister Ram Murti Verma. “So far the government has not taken adequate action against Verma. Merely ordering inquiries is not sufficient given the serious nature of the offences. Minister needs to be removed and arrested,” he said. ENS & PTI