Student activists 'beaten up brutally' during interrogation after illegal detention: CASR

By A Representative

Four student activists associated with the Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch (BSCEM) were allegedly beaten after being illegally detained by Delhi Police and intelligence agencies, according to a press statement released by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR).

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of February 4th at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The students – Gaurav, Gauraang, Rahul, and Kiran – were detained by JNU security for writing wall graffiti concerning military operations in Bastar, alleged false encounters, and corporate resource exploitation. They were then handed over to the Vasant Kunj Police.

CASR alleges that the students were brutally beaten during interrogation at the Vasant Kunj Police Station. Gauraang reportedly suffered bleeding in his ears after a 30-minute beating, and Gaurav was also allegedly assaulted. CASR's statement names Sub Inspector Vinay Bhardwaj of the Vasant Kunj South police station as one of the officers involved.

The press release further claims that the students were illegally interrogated by members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) at the police station, despite the case only involving alleged defacement of public property and trespassing. CASR condemned the involvement of these agencies in what it considers a matter of basic political expression.

CASR argues that the students' detention violates Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. They assert that the wall writings were a legitimate form of protest against state actions in Bastar, including Operation Kagaar, which CASR describes as an undeclared war on the people. The organization also criticizes the alleged corporate exploitation of resources in the region.

The press statement further alleges that the students' detention violated Article 21, concerning personal liberty, as they were detained without legal justification, their phones were confiscated, and their whereabouts were concealed. CASR also claims that the alleged physical abuse constitutes a breach of Article 21's prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, and a violation of India's international human rights commitments.

CASR calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged abuse, particularly the treatment of Gauraang and Gaurav, and demands disciplinary action against the responsible officers. They also demand the cessation of Operation Kagaar and the protection of democratic expression within universities.

Authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.

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