PUCL Rajasthan Strongly Condemns the Alleged Illegal Abduction and Detention of CJP National Spokesperson Deepak Baliyan
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Rajasthan, has learnt that Deepak Baliyan, a civil rights activist and National Spokesperson of CJP, resident of Mankhera village, Kathumar tehsil, Alwar district, was taken away from his home late at night by Rajasthan Police.
PUCL expresses serious concern over the incident and demands that the police immediately disclose Deepak Baliyan’s whereabouts, his condition, and the legal basis for taking him into custody.
It is apparent that the police are acting in response to the proposed protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar from 10 October and have resorted to this unlawful action to prevent his participation.
According to his family, at around 10 pm on 8 October, two police jeeps arrived at Deepak’s home and forcibly took him away. The family informed the police that Deepak had a fracture in his left leg. Despite this, he was allegedly dragged by his collar and forced into a police vehicle. One of his slippers was left behind at the spot.
The family further alleges that when Deepak’s younger brother, Anirudh, began recording the police action, police personnel assaulted him and attempted to drag him by his shirt.
Deepak’s mother, Suman Devi, also alleges that a male police officer pushed her when she tried to prevent her son from being taken away.
The family has also alleged misbehaviour and physical manhandling by the officer in charge of Kherli police station.
According to the family, local police had first arrived at their home at around 8 pm, during which Deepak recorded the police action on Instagram Live. The family alleges that the police subsequently returned and pressured him to delete the video. When he refused, police arrived again at around 10 pm in two jeeps and took him away.
It is also reported that Deepak had returned home only that afternoon, 8 October, after nearly 15 days away, and was taken away just a few hours later.
PUCL Rajasthan demands:
Deepak Baliyan be released immediately.
His family and the public be immediately informed where he is being held and under what legal provision.
If he has been arrested, the grounds of arrest, FIR and relevant legal provisions be disclosed without delay, and he be produced before the appropriate judicial authority in accordance with law.
In view of his fractured leg, he be provided immediate medical examination and necessary treatment, with due regard to his health and safety.
The allegations of assault and mistreatment of his brother Anirudh and mother Suman Devi be subjected to an independent and impartial inquiry.
The police should explain why Deepak was allegedly pressured to delete the video he had recorded and whether this was connected to the subsequent detention.
PUCL Rajasthan has spoken to the Superintendent of Police, who stated that the police had received information that permission had not been granted for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar and that people were therefore being prevented from proceeding to the protest site. He further stated that, in view of allegations that Deepak had been roughed up, he was being taken for a medical examination and would be produced before a Magistrate.
PUCL, however, asks: What offence has Deepak committed that warrants his being taken before a Magistrate? On what legal basis is his movement being restrained? The mere possibility of his participating in a peaceful protest cannot constitute a ground for arbitrary detention
The SP assured PUCL that there was no reason for concern and that Deepak would be safe and well. PUCL nevertheless reiterates that his health, safety and constitutional and legal rights must be fully protected
PUCL Rajasthan firmly believes that no citizen can be arbitrarily detained merely for exercising the right to freedom of expression, intending to participate in a peaceful protest, recording police action, or questioning police conduct.
Any arrest or detention must be based on law, follow due process, and respect constitutional safeguards and fundamental rights.
PUCL Rajasthan demands an immediate explanation from the Rajasthan Police and district administration and calls upon them to ensure the safety, health and full legal rights of Deepak Baliyan.
Anant Bhatnagar
President
Rajesh Chaudhary
General Secretary
Pragnya Joshi
Joint General Secretary