Volunteer Alleges Uttar Pradesh Police Harassed His Family Over Jantar Mantar Protest
A protest volunteer claims police detained members of his family and targeted them because of his involvement in the student movement.
Mohammad Junaid, a volunteer associated with the student and youth protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, has accused the Uttar Pradesh Police of harassing his family because of his role in the demonstrations. The police have not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
Junaid said police officers raided his home after he took part in the protests and detained several members of his family. According to him, his father and younger brother were taken into custody during the raid. He also claimed that his sister’s father in law and brother in law in Meerut were detained.
According to a report by The Lallantop, Junaid further alleged that police seized Aadhaar cards and bank passbooks belonging to his family during the operation.
Speaking to The Lallantop, Junaid said the police action was an attempt to intimidate him and his family because he had been helping protesters by distributing food and water. He also alleged that officers from the Mussoorie Police Station in Ghaziabad district were pressuring his relatives to produce him before the authorities.
Questioning the action against him, Junaid asked what crime he had committed and whether providing food and water to people was an offence.
The CJP expressed support for Junaid in a statement posted on X. The organisation alleged that instead of acting against those responsible for wrongdoing, the Uttar Pradesh Police had targeted a volunteer who was simply helping protesters. It also said its team remained in regular contact with Junaid and his family and would provide them with legal support if necessary.
Student organisations also condemned the alleged police action. AISA leader Danish Ali said his organisation stood firmly with Junaid and his family. He described the police action as unlawful and criticised the state government, claiming the family had been unfairly targeted.
As of now, the Uttar Pradesh Police have not released any official statement responding to the allegations made by Mohammad Junaid.