Civil society condemns harassment of activist Nadeem Khan, demands action against Delhi Police
Bengaluru: Several civil society organisations have strongly condemned the alleged harassment of human rights activist Nadeem Khan, the National General Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), by the Delhi Police. They have described the filing of an FIR against him as malicious and part of a broader campaign to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
On November 30, 2024, four police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Shaheen Bagh Police Station in Delhi, reportedly arrived at a private residence in Bengaluru where Nadeem Khan was staying. The police allegedly attempted to detain him without an arrest warrant or prior notice, violating established legal procedures. The FIR, filed earlier the same day in Delhi, cited offences under Sections 196, 353(2), and 61 of the BNS Act. These offences carry punishments of less than three years, which, according to the Supreme Court’s guidelines in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar, do not warrant arrest. Despite this, the police reportedly pressured Khan for nearly six hours to accompany them to Delhi. It was only after hours of alleged intimidation that they issued a formal notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS Act.
The police action is said to have caused significant distress to Khan and his family. Civil society groups have also accused the officers of trespassing on private property and intimidating Khan’s relatives. This incident follows another alleged raid on the APCR office in Delhi on November 29, 2024, where 20-25 police personnel reportedly arrived without prior notice, legal justification, or even an FIR copy. The groups argue that these actions demonstrate a targeted campaign against the APCR, which is known for addressing issues like mob lynching, hate crimes, and upholding constitutional values.
The FIR against Khan is believed to have been triggered by his involvement in an exhibition that highlighted incidents of hate crimes and hate speeches in India. The exhibition also showcased significant Supreme Court judgments, including Tehseen Poonawalla v. Union of India, which outlines measures to address mob violence. Civil society organisations view this FIR as part of a broader attempt by the Union Government to suppress dissent and penalize organisations critical of its policies.
The incident has also raised concerns about violations of India’s federal structure. Civil society organisations have criticized the Delhi Police for failing to coordinate with the Karnataka Police before acting in Bengaluru, a clear breach of the guidelines set by the Delhi High Court in Sandeep Kumar v. NCT of Delhi. These guidelines require cooperation with local police for interstate arrests. The groups pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, citing a 2020 case where the Delhi Police, under a BJP-led central government, arrested a Bengaluru resident without adhering to proper interstate protocols.
In a joint statement, organisations including Bahutva Karnataka, Campaign Against Hate Speech, Eddelu Karnataka, Jagruta Karnataka, Karnataka Janashakti, People’s Union for Civil Liberties-Karnataka, and Thamate, have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the FIR against Nadeem Khan. They also called for an end to the harassment of Khan and his family, compensation for the intimidation they faced, and action against the SHO of the Shaheen Bagh Police Station for alleged criminal intimidation, harassment, and trespassing. The Karnataka government has also been urged to act against the Delhi Police based on a complaint filed by Khan’s family.
Civil society groups have termed the harassment of Nadeem Khan as an attack on the fundamental rights of free speech, expression, and association. They have further argued that the actions of the Delhi Police represent a breach of India’s federal framework, highlighting the need for state governments and civil society to resist what they see as a growing threat to democratic and constitutional principles.
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Indian crew killed in 'unfortunate' maritime incident: Indian mission in Dubai
Dubai (PTI): An Indian crew member was killed in an "unfortunate" maritime incident, the Indian mission said on Friday, extending assistance.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai did not give much information about the incident but said it was "saddened to learn of the unfortunate incident at Sea that caused the tragic death of an Indian crew of a ship".
In a post on X, the Consulate said it was in touch with the ship's owner and is ascertaining further details.
"The Consulate will render all possible assistance in this matter on priority. Our deepest condolences," it said.
