Journalist, community worker Sourav Banerjee in jail; social group alleges repression

By A Representative 

A social organisation, HOWL (How Ought We Live), has raised concerns over the continued detention of journalist and activist Sourav Banerjee in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that his imprisonment and the demolition of community initiatives are part of an attempt to suppress tribal and marginalised voices.

Banerjee, who has been working with tribal and marginalised communities in the state for the past five years, has been in judicial custody for more than two months. He was charged under sections 299 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following an alleged assault incident during a press conference in Indore in late July. A chargesheet has since added sections 302 and 318(4). His bail applications have reportedly been denied.

According to HOWL and the Parvatpura Panchayat Development Committee (PPDC), Banerjee had played a key role in establishing healthcare access, literacy programmes, livelihood initiatives, and community institutions in Shukrawasa village. They claim he supported the election of a tribal woman sarpanch and assisted in strengthening local self-governance.

The group further alleges that following Banerjee’s detention, community facilities including a library, kitchen, people’s enterprises, and the PPDC office were demolished. “The farmers and labourers who stood up for their rights are now deprived of legal aid, medical assistance, education and employment opportunities they had until a few months ago,” said HOWL member Pranay Tripathi.

The organisation has also contested media reports linking Banerjee and community members to religious conversion, substance abuse and extremist activities, calling them part of a smear campaign. “Nothing came out of the allegations in the chargesheet, but they were used for character assassination,” the group said.

Officials have not yet responded publicly to the allegations. HOWL stated it is prepared to provide documents and witness testimonies to support its claims, while the legal proceedings in Banerjee’s case continue.