The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has condemned the harassment and illegal actions of the Delhi Police against human rights activist Nadeem Khan, the National General Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The incident took place on November 30, 2024, when police arrived at Khan’s relative’s residence in Bangalore without a warrant or notice, attempting to force him to return to Delhi for questioning.
According to PUCL, four police officers, including the SHO of Shaheen Bagh Police Station, arrived at Khan’s brother’s house in Bangalore around 5 PM. They demanded that Khan accompany them to Delhi “voluntarily” for an investigation into a newly filed FIR. The FIR, which was filed in Delhi earlier that day, includes charges under Sections 196, 353(2), and 61, all of which carry punishments of less than three years. Despite this, the police continued to intimidate Khan and his family, refusing to follow due process, said PUCL.
“For nearly six hours, they harassed Nadeem and his family, pressuring him to come with them,” PUCL said in a statement. “This violates the basic norms of due process and the law.”
The “harassment” continued earlier in the week when 20-25 police officers visited the APCR office in Delhi on November 29, 2024. They did not provide any legal justification or an FIR copy, and questioned the security guard about Nadeem Khan and other members of the organization. “The police were clearly targeting the work of the APCR, which fights against hate crimes and mob lynching,” PUCL stated.
Khan’s involvement in organizing an exhibition about hate crimes and Supreme Court rulings on mob violence is believed to be the reason behind the FIR. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness about recent hate speeches and crimes in India. PUCL argued that the FIR was an attempt to silence Khan’s advocacy for civil liberties and human rights.
PUCL has demanded the immediate quashing of the FIR, compensation for the harassment suffered by Khan and his family, and the filing of an FIR against the SHO of Shaheen Bagh Police Station for criminal intimidation, harassment, and trespassing.
“This is an attack on the fundamental right to free speech and the advocacy of constitutional rights,” said PUCL.
