Mumbai, July 31: Even after the Supreme Court stayed coercive action against protesters, several released detainees from Bihar, West Bengal and Maharashtra have alleged that the fear of police action continues to loom large, claiming they remain vulnerable to FIRs, surveillance and intimidation.
The protesters have accused the police of resorting to lathicharges, arbitrary detentions and harassment during and after the demonstrations. While the apex court’s intervention resulted in the release of several detainees, many claim they continue to face legal uncertainty.
One of the protesters, Syed, alleged that his name was included in an FIR following the July 20 protest. He claimed that after the demonstration, a police vehicle monitored his family members and that his wife and mother were threatened.
“After this, my name was included in the FIR that day,” Syed said. He further alleged, “After the July 20 protest, a police van was monitoring my family members and my wife and mother were threatened.”
According to Syed, he later began a hunger strike in Mumbai’s Powai, following which he was detained by the police. He alleged that officers abused him and his family and referred to him as an “exile” during his detention.
“After this, I announced a hunger strike in Powai. That’s when the police detained me, called me an exile, and abused my mother and wife,” he claimed.
Syed said he was released around 11.30 pm on July 22 after sustained pressure from fellow protesters. He added that he has since received four notices detailing the legal provisions under which cases have been registered against him, but has not received confirmation regarding the status of the FIR.
Rejecting allegations of arbitrary police action, a senior Mumbai Police official maintained that all cases were backed by evidence.
“No protester’s name has been added to the FIR without sufficient evidence. All information related to the protesters named in the FIR has been given to the state attorney,” the official said.
According to available information, at least 20 FIRs have been registered against more than 1,000 people in Mumbai in connection with the protests, even as concerns over police action persist despite the Supreme Court’s interim relief.
