Skip to main content

Rights group alleges abduction and torture of labour and student activists in Delhi

By A Representative
 
The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a coalition of civil rights groups, has issued a statement condemning what it describes as the abduction, illegal detention, and torture of several labour, student, and anti-displacement activists by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The organization alleges that these actions constitute serious violations of democratic rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
According to CASR, on 12 March 2026, labour rights activist Shiv Kumar and student activist Ilakkiya were taken near Dayal Singh College, Delhi, without due process. CASR claims that Shiv Kumar was subjected to severe custodial abuse, including physical assault, sexual humiliation, and coercion into false statements. The group further alleges that other activists, including Manjeet Kumar, Gaurav, Rudra, Akshay, and Avinash, were also abducted and tortured in similar circumstances, with reports of caste-based abuse, sexual violence, and threats of extrajudicial killing.
CASR states that family members and supporters attempting to seek legal remedies were also targeted. The organization highlights the case of Aman, who was allegedly abducted and threatened after assisting in filing a habeas corpus petition, which it describes as an attempt to obstruct judicial processes.
The statement characterizes these incidents as part of a systematic campaign of abuse involving illegal abduction, incommunicado detention, custodial torture, sexual violence, caste-based degradation, forced confessions, and intimidation of families. CASR asserts that such practices violate constitutional protections, the Protection of Human Rights Act, and international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture.
The group has demanded an immediate end to the alleged detentions and harassment, an independent judicial inquiry, prosecution of responsible officials, and the release of seized personal belongings and digital devices.

Comments

TRENDING

A fearless spirit lost: Rebecca Thomson dies at 17-hour Catalina Swim Mark

By Harsh Thakor  On July 26, 2020, Rebecca “Becky” Thomson suffered cardiac arrest while attempting the Catalina Channel Swim — a marathon open water crossing from Catalina Island to the California mainland. After swimming for 17 hours, Thomson collapsed in the water. Despite the painstaking efforts of emergency responders and the medical staff at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, she succumbed to a devastating hypoxic brain injury and died Friday evening.

An open letter to PM: Before you forgive, ask for forgiveness

By Martin Macwan*  Respected Prime Minister,  The first step toward true forgiveness is asking for it, and it is out of respect for the Constitution that the title "Honourable" is used for the office of the Prime Minister. Every abuse is "dirty" because almost all abuse is uttered with the conscious intention of publicly humiliating a woman, much like the disrobing of Draupadi in the royal court. This includes remarks like "Jersey Cow," used at public meetings on the Gujarati land of Gandhi and Sardar; comparing a female MP's laughter in India's Parliament to "Surpanakha's laugh"; and using a vulgar address like "Didi O Didi" for a Chief Minister who holds a respected position in a democracy—along with every other such remark. In the 79-year history of independent India, you are better placed than anyone to say which Prime Minister has used such language against women.

Bihar’s land at ₹1 per acre for Adani sparks outrage, NAPM calls it crony capitalism

By A Representative   The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has strongly condemned the Bihar government’s decision to lease 1,050 acres of land in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur district, to Adani Power for a 2,400 MW coal-based thermal power project.