Car That Ran Over Farmers Ours, Son Wasn't In It: Union Minister To NDTV

Union Minister of State Ajay Mishra, whose son Ashish has been named in the police complaint into the deadly violence in Uttar Pradesh that left eight people dead, has told NDTV that the vehicle seen running over farmers, allegedly triggering the clashes, was indeed his. However, the minister said neither he nor his son were present at the spot when the incident happened.

"From Day One, we have been clear that the Thar is ours, which is registered in our name. And the vehicle was going to receive someone after picking up our workers. Our son was at another venue. From 11 am till the evening, he was organising another event. My son was present there, there were thousands there. There are photos and videos. If you take out his call records and CDR, location... can check all. Thousands of people are willing to give an affidavit also that Ashish Mishra was there," Ajay Mishra told NDTV in an interview.

"As far as the vehicle is concerned, I was clear that my driver was killed, two workers were killed. One worker escaped, three workers are injured, and after that, the car stopped there. After that the car was pushed and the vehicle and another Fortuner was burnt. Such people can't be farmers. These are extremists hidden amongst farmers," he said.

Asked about his warning to farmers, saying "Face me, it will take just two minutes to discipline you fellows", which seems to have angered the farmers before Sunday's violence he said his comments were misunderstood.