UP: Slain ex-MLA's kin go on hunger strike

Azamgarh, July 25: Relatives of former

Sarvesh Singh Seepu on Thursday went on hunger strike to press for their demand of CBI inquiry into his

and compensation to kin of those killed in police firing during protests that broke out over his death.

The former SP MLA's wife Vandana Singh, brother Santosh Singh Teepu, other relatives and some of his supporters started their strike this morning, claiming that government had failed to act on its assurance to recommend CBI inquiry into his death, sources said.

The BSP leader's kin are demanding Rs 25 lakh compensation to families of each of those killed and Rs 10 lakh to those injured in police firing, they said. Seepu's family also demanded that cases lodged against people in the violence that broke out after his death should be withdrawn.

They said the hunger strike would continue till their demands were met. Markets remained closed in Jiyanpur area and Azamgarh- Gorakhpur route was blocked. Various political and social organisations have extended their support to the agitation.

BJP national president Rajnath Singh's son and state party general secretary Pankaj Singh is expected to arrive here and participate in the agitation. Three motorcycle-borne assailants had fired at Seepu in front of his house on July 19, killing him and another person -- Narad Rai -- on the spot, which had triggered clashes between his supporters and police that left three persons dead and 18 injured.

Seepu's family members had said they do not have any faith in police inquiry and if the government did not recommend CBI inquiry, they would observe hunger strike and, if required, move the High Court.

Principal Secretary, Home, R M Srivastava had earlier said the government had no objection to recommending CBI inquiry if the kin of the former MLA demand, but no application had been received in this regard.

PTI