UP government withdraws cases against Bhatta farmers

LUCKNOW: Fulfilling its election promise, the UP government has withdrawn cases lodged against farmers, including farmer leader Manveer Singh Tevatia, in Bhatta Parsaul in Gautam Budh Nagar district.

"The cases lodged against farmers at Daknaur police station in May, 2011 have been withdrawn by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in public interest", a senior official said here today.

The Samajwadi Party had in its election manifesto promised to withdraw cases lodged by BSP government against farmers.

The Chief Minister said these cases have been withdrawn after their review at different levels and reports from district administration and courts.

"The farmers were forced to organise protest demonstrations for getting more compensation of their lands acquired by the state", Yadav said.

The cases were lodged against farmers when their agitation turned violent at Bhatta Parsaul village.

The FIR was lodged against farmer leaders Manveer Singh Tevatia, Premveer, Kale Singh, Gaje Singh, Kiranpal, Dhan Singh and a number of other farmers.