PUCL Maharashtra condemns arrest of two Mumbai activists for protesting Israel’s “violent attacks” in Palestine

Representational Picture/iStock

Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Maharashtra has condemned the arrest of two young Mumbai activists, Ruchir and Supreeth by the Mankhurd Police last night, in connection with a protest against the Israeli government's ongoing violent attacks impacting civilians in Palestine, in line with similar protests taking place in multiple locations globally and in the country.

In a statement, PUCL said Ruchir has complained of being beaten by the police after being picked up from the protest site and also at the police station. When Supreeth went to the police station to secure his release, he was also arrested. Among other sections applied for violating prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 ("CrPC") and section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, it appears that they have also been charged with offences under sections 353 and 332 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ("IPC"), the statement said.

"They were produced before the holiday court being the Dadar Shindewadi BMC court on Sunday when the visible police beatings were reported and complaint in that respect was filed by Adv Shahbuddin representing the accused activists and accompanied by Adv Pritha. The Magistrate inspected the wounds in chamber, recorded the statement of Ruchir in court and ordered for medical to be conducted today itself and for the medical report to be made available on Monday. The application for police custody made by the police was rejected by the Magistrate and both the activists have been remanded to judicial custody and matter is placed before the regular court on Monday. While the lawyers made requests for copies of the FIR and remand application, the same have not been provided by the police as yet. Accordingly, even the exact nature of allegations are not known."

Also read: Mumbai: Activist says cops manhandled him

Even before these arrests, the statement said, the police had detained 4 activists under section 151 CrPC, who were subsequently released. Section 151 CrPC which provides for preventive detention can only be invoked if there is threat of a cognisable offence being committed. However, the police illegally detained the activists in connection with protests that had been announced and to prevent them from attending the protests and not from committing any cognisable offence.

PUCL Maharashtra stated that there appears to be a concerted attempt to silence peaceful protests against war and violence. "The activists arrested for protesting should be released immediately and the police violence ought to be investigated and erring officials punished to restore the confidence of citizens in the rule of law and in the law enforcement agencies."