Activists allege abduction and torture by Delhi Police Special Cell in missing person probe

By A Representative

A press statement released today by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) alleges that several student and social activists have been abducted, illegally detained, and subjected to torture by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The CASR claims these actions are linked to an investigation into the disappearance of Vallika Varshri, an editorial team member of 'Nazariya' magazine.

According to the statement dated July 24, 2025, Gurkirat, Gaurav, and Gaurang of the Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch (bsCEM) were allegedly abducted separately on July 9. Ehtemam-Ul Haque and Baadal from the Forum Against Corporatisation and Militarisation (FACAM) were reportedly abducted on July 11. Samrat Singh, a social activist and psychologist, was allegedly taken from his residence in Haryana on July 12. Most recently, student activist Rudra was reportedly abducted from the New Delhi Railway Station on July 19 and released on July 21.

CASR states that all individuals were allegedly held at the Delhi Police Special Cell on CV Raman Marg, described by the group as resembling a "torture centre." The press statement details various forms of alleged abuse, including beatings, sexual harassment, threats of rape, being stripped naked, having heads dunked in toilet bowls, and electrocution. One activist, Ehtemam-Ul Haque, also reported being subjected to Islamophobic slurs and attacks based on his identity.

The activists claim that the first three days of their alleged detention were the most severe, with screams reportedly heard from other rooms.

CASR highlights that none of these alleged detentions adhered to legal procedures, citing violations of Article 22 of the Constitution of India and the D.K. Basu v. The State of West Bengal (1997) Supreme Court judgment. They allege that no arrest memos were prepared, families were not informed, and detainees were denied access to legal counsel.

The organization asserts that the alleged torture constitutes criminal offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including wrongful restraint and confinement, kidnapping and abduction, voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt, and criminal intimidation. They also cite violations of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, where applicable.

The CASR press statement expresses apprehension that Vallika Varshri's mother, Archana Varma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, Government of India, may be involved in the alleged illegal detentions and torture.

CASR, an organizing team comprising numerous student, social, and civil liberties organizations, has condemned the alleged actions and called for a strict judicial inquiry and action against all officers involved.

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