Akhilesh Yadav refuses to act against UP minister Verma who allegedly got Shahjahanpur journalist killed

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday categorically refused to act against Samajwadi Party minister Ram Murti Verma, who is accused of being involved in the murder of a journalist in Shahjahanpur.

Skirting questions on action against the Uttar Pradesh minister, Yadav said that his party had always fought wrongdoings. The statement from the Samajwadi Party leader came even as the family of slain journalist Jagendra Singh continued their hunger strike demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the killing. The Chief Minister, however, added that "no injustice will be done with anyone".

The journalist's family has been on a hunger strike for the second straight day on Tuesday, demanding a CBI probe and Verma's removal from the Akhilesh Yadav Cabinet.

The family has also alleged pressure by Samajwadi Party leaders to drop the case, and is likely to meet UP Governor Ram Naik to press for a probe by the central agency.

On Monday, another minister in the UP Cabinet, Parasnath Yadav, had given a bizarre defence for his ministerial colleague Verma, saying the journalist’s death must have been "written in his destiny".

The defence came on a day when senior Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shivpal Yadav said that Ram Murti Verma would not be removed without full inquiry into the alleged killing of Shahjahanpur journalist Jagendra Singh finds him guilty.

Meanwhile, four policemen were suspended in connection with the case on Sunday, pending an inquiry.

A PIL has been filed with the Allahabad High Court demanding a CBI probe into the case. The family has alleged pressure by the SP leaders to drop the charges.

The victim's wife said, "Police officials came along with SP goons and set my husband on fire. We want the minister's resignation and arrest."

Singh died after he was allegedly burnt alive for a Facebook post against Ram Murti.

Singh's family has claimed that a police officer allegedly set the journalist on fire. He succumbed to his injuries while he was being taken to the hospital.

Singh had reportedly written about the MLA in newspapers accusing him of nefarious activities regarding illegal mining and forced occupation of land, etc. The charges are said to have angered the Samajwadi Party leader. He also allegedly implicated Singh in a false case.