SC issues notice to Centre, UP govt over journalist's killing

Notice comes after PIL asked for a CBI probe, impartial investigation of these cases

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre and the UP government on a PIL seeking CBI probe into the killing of journalist Jagendra Singh allegedly at the behest of UP minister Ram Murti Verma.

The apex court's vacation bench headed by Justice M Y Eqbal issued the notice after hearing a PIL in this regard.

Earlier, senior counsel E C Agarwala urged the court for a CBI probe and framing of guidelines for a fair and impartial investigation in such attacks.

The PIL petitioner, D S Jain, urged the court to frame guidelines and issue directions so that in case of an unnatural death of a journalist, the investigation should be monitered by the district and session judge of the area concerned.

 

Jagendra Singh was doused with kerosene oil and allegedly set on fire by the UP police. He succumbed to burn injuries on June 8.