Congress worker dies in Lucknow protest, family blames police brutality as murder case filed

Prabhat Kumar Pandey, a 31-year-old Congress worker, died on Wednesday during a protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow. The protest, organized by the Congress party, was aimed at raising concerns over issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the state government’s policies. Protesters had planned to march towards the Vidhan Sabha, but were blocked by barricades and barbed wires set up by the police. Tensions escalated, and Pandey’s death has been linked by the family to police actions during the demonstration.

Pandey's uncle, Manish Pandey, filed a complaint at the Hussainganj Police Station, stating that his nephew had been found unconscious at the Congress office in Lucknow, more than two hours after the protest. The complaint mentions that Prabhat was taken to the Civil Hospital, where he was declared dead. Manish claimed that Prabhat had no history of illness and suggested that the cause of his death might have been linked to an altercation with the police during the protest.

The Lucknow police responded by registering a case of murder under relevant sections based on the complaint from Manish Pandey. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Lucknow), Raveena Tyagi, confirmed that a murder case had been filed, and the body was sent for post-mortem examination. The police investigation will include reviewing CCTV footage, questioning those involved in the protest, and analyzing mobile phones of those present at the protest for further evidence. The post-mortem is being conducted under videography to ensure transparency. No external injuries were found on Prabhat’s body according to the post-mortem report.

The Congress party has strongly condemned the incident, with Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai accusing the police of using excessive force to suppress the protest. Rai further claimed that two other Congress workers, Ashish Kesari and Junaid Iqlam Qureshi, had spoken with Pandey before his collapse, during which he allegedly mentioned being beaten by the police. Rai has demanded that the state government provide Rs 1 crore as compensation to the family of the deceased, along with a government job for one of his relatives. The Congress party also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the family.

This incident comes amid growing tensions between Congress and the BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Assam. The Congress party has been holding nationwide protests, including marches to Raj Bhavans in cities such as Jammu, Chandigarh, Guwahati, and Patna, to raise various political concerns. The protests have also drawn attention to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding B.R. Ambedkar, and the ongoing unrest in Manipur. In Assam, another Congress worker, Mridul Islam, also died during a protest, prompting further criticism of police actions in both states.

Authorities in Lucknow have assured that a thorough investigation is underway, including reviewing statements from the caretakers and protestors involved. The outcome of the investigation is awaited, as the Congress party continues to demand justice for Prabhat Pandey.