Six farmers, mainly from the Bharatiya Kisan Union, were notified. (Figurative)
Sambhal:
A “clerical error” by a district administration official led to 50 lakh rupees being printed on the notice sent to peasant leaders in Sambhal, western Uttar Pradesh, a police officer told NDTV, adding that a revised notice was sent to them.
“It was a clerical error. We have revised the amount in the notice to Rs 50,000,” Sambhal SP Chakresh Mishra told NDTV.
The Sambhal Branch Magistrate had sent the notice to agricultural leaders citing a police report that warned that they would “incite” farmers to join the protests against the Center’s new laws. The notice had requested an explanation from the farmers as to why they should not submit personal vouchers of Rs 50 lakh each.
“We have a report from the Hayatnagar police station that some people are inciting farmers and there may be a breach of the peace, and they should be asked to fill out personal bonds of 50 lakh each,” the notice sent by the subdivisional magistrate Deependra Yadav read.
The six farmers, who received notices, include Bharatiya Kisan Union (Asli) district president Rajpal Singh Yadav, and agricultural leaders Jaiveer Singh, Brahmachari Yadav, Satendra Yadav, Raudas and Veer Singh. They have been organizing protests in the district over the Center’s three controversial farm laws.
“This is a situation similar to an emergency. This should never have happened before. The government feels it can pressure us and make us stay at home. It is not a crime to demand our rights. Where is the breach of the peace? Do not respond to no notice, “said Rajpal Yadav, whose name appears first on the Rs 50 lakh notice.
The notifications have been issued under article 111 (court order against any person who may violate public order) of the Code of Criminal Procedure on the basis of a report submitted by the police.
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