"Civil society stands united against Delhi Police's targeting of APCR leader Nadim Khan - AILAJ"

"Civil society stands united against Delhi Police's targeting of APCR leader Nadim Khan. AILAJ demands accountability and justice."

Bengaluru: The All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) has strongly condemned the Delhi Police's alleged harassment of human rights activist Nadim Khan, National General Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The organization has termed the actions, including the filing of what it calls a "malicious FIR" and attempts to intimidate Mr. Khan, as blatant violations of constitutional rights.

The FIR, registered by Shaheen Bagh Police, concerns an exhibition by APCR that spotlighted hate crimes and hate speeches across India. According to AILAJ, hours after the FIR was lodged, a team of four Delhi Police officers trespassed into Mr. Khan’s brother’s house in Bengaluru, where they allegedly intimidated the activist and his family for over five hours. Shockingly, the police tried to coerce Mr. Khan into returning to Delhi without serving any notice or warrant.

AILAJ raised suspicions about the timing of the police action, pointing out that the officers reached Bengaluru just five hours after the FIR was registered. “This raises serious questions about whether the officers had preemptively decided to target Mr. Khan even before the FIR was officially filed,” said Maitreyi, President of AILAJ.

The activist’s organization, APCR, has been actively pursuing legal action on significant issues, including hate crimes, lynchings, and alleged injustices involving communal violence. AILAJ highlighted that APCR's work has earned widespread civil society support and legal victories, which may have drawn the ire of authorities.

“The Delhi Police’s conduct is an assault on civil liberties and due process,” said Clifton D’Rozario, AILAJ General Secretary. “Spending public funds on such arbitrary actions to intimidate a human rights defender is unacceptable.”

AILAJ also recounted an incident from the previous night, where 20-25 police personnel reportedly visited the APCR office in Delhi without notice or justification. “This reeks of a targeted campaign to suppress dissent,” Mr. D’Rozario added.

Civil society members came to Mr. Khan’s defense in Bengaluru, gathering in significant numbers to oppose the police's actions. Their intervention reportedly thwarted the officers' attempts to detain Mr. Khan illegally.

“We salute the solidarity shown by those who stood against this blatant lawlessness,” said Maitreyi. “Acts like these restore faith in the rule of law.”

AILAJ has called for immediate withdrawal of the FIR, an inquiry into the actions of the Shaheen Bagh Police, and disciplinary action against the officers involved. The group also demanded that an FIR be filed against the concerned police officials for intimidation, harassment, and trespassing.

Quotes

1. “The rule of law cannot be sacrificed at the altar of partisan political interests.” – Clifton D’Rozario, AILAJ General Secretary
2. “We salute each and every person who stood against this blatant lawlessness. Unity is essential to safeguard our rights.” – Maitreyi, AILAJ President
3. “The Delhi Police must stop bulldozing constitutional rights to serve political agendas.” – Civil rights activist