The Delhi Police has alleged that activist Nadeem Khan deliberately disseminated selective and misleading information to portray a “specific community as victims of systematic oppression by the current government.” The claims were made in a status report filed before the Delhi High Court in response to Khan’s petition seeking to quash an FIR against him for promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy.
The FIR, registered on November 30, accuses Khan, the national secretary of the NGO Protection of Civil Rights, of spreading misinformation that could incite communal unrest. Police argue that Khan’s actions show an intent to exploit historical and social sensitivities, potentially undermining communal harmony and public order.
“The petitioner, through targeted dissemination of selective and misleading information, has sought to evoke feelings of victimisation and persecution within the community. This poses a serious threat to the values of peace and unity enshrined in the Constitution of India,” the police said in their report.
Khan’s counsel has challenged the FIR, calling it “malafide” and claiming it lacks evidence of a cognizable offense, relying instead on conjecture. The High Court has granted Khan interim protection from arrest, conditional upon his cooperation with the investigation, and will further hear the case on December 11.
The police, however, insist the investigation is at an early stage and have urged the court to dismiss Khan’s plea and revoke his interim protection.
The FIR was based on a viral video allegedly linked to Khan, which police claim could provoke enmity and violence. Meanwhile, civil rights groups and Khan’s supporters view the case as an attack on free speech and activism.
