93 people killed in rain-related incidents in UP since February

LUCKNOW: Ninety-three people were killed in Uttar Pradesh in hailstorm and rain-related incidents since February but no farmer died of shock over damage to crops, the state government today said.

"In Uttar Pradesh, 93 people have died since February in hailstorm and heavy rain-related incidents. However, the government has no information about any deaths due to cardiac arrest over crop loss," SP minister Shivpal Yadav said in the state assembly while replying to a question.

Yadav said the government gave Rs 3,400 crores as compensation to farmers but alleged that the Centre did not help the state.

"We have given Rs 12 lakhs each to the families of farmers killed in rain and hailstorm-related incidents but Centre did not help us," Yadav said.

The minister was replying to a question by BJP member Suresh Rana during the Question Hour.

Rana also alleged irregularities in preparation of the relief list and demanded action against those responsible.

The minister rejected the allegations and said it was for the first time after Independence that such a huge amount was disbursed in the state as compensation.

Not satisfied with the minister's reply, BJP members staged a walkout from the House.