Lucknow/ New Delhi- The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a coalition of civil and democratic rights organizations, has strongly condemned the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) ongoing harassment and targeting of social activist and psychologist Samrat Singh in connection with the Lucknow Conspiracy Case.

CASR described the case as a "bogus" and politically motivated fabrication aimed at criminalizing dissent. It has been used to target a wide range of democratic voices, including students, advocates, civil rights defenders, anti-displacement activists, and labor rights organizers.

Samrat Singh, a respected psychologist employed at a local hospital and a long-time people's activist, has reportedly been issued a notice by the NIA in this case. Activists and rights groups have criticized the NIA's actions in the case, registered in January 2023 and also referred to as the "Maoist's NRB Revival case"as a sweeping fishing expedition. Over the past three years, the NIA has conducted raids at more than 30 locations and subjected over 40 activists to prolonged interrogations. At least three activists have been arrested in connection with the case.

The coalition highlighted that Singh has faced such persecution before. In 2009, he was falsely implicated under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), allegedly subjected to custodial torture, and imprisoned for nearly five years before being honorably acquitted by the court. CASR views his current targeting as part of a disturbing pattern of repeated harassment against those who advocate for marginalized and oppressed communities.

Adding to the concerns, on the evening of July 12, 2025, Samrat Singh was allegedly illegally abducted by a team of Delhi Police from his residence in Yamunanagar, Haryana. According to family accounts and CASR's statement, a group of 4–5 men and 2 women arrived without presenting an arrest warrant, notice, or any legal documentation—constituting a blatant violation of constitutional and legal procedures.

Singh was reportedly taken to illegal custody at the Delhi Police Special Cell in New Friends Colony, where he faced brutal torture, including severe physical abuse and electric shocks. During the same period, several other activists were also picked up and held in similar illegal custody. Rights groups have described these actions as enforced disappearances and custodial torture, with some activists released after protests and legal interventions.

CASR argues that the invocation of serious charges without credible evidence, combined with widespread raids and interrogations, reveals the arbitrary and coercive nature of the investigative agencies. The Lucknow Conspiracy Case is seen as another tool to construct false narratives and justify repression against democratic movements nationwide, drawing parallels to cases like Bhima Koregaon.

The statement emphasizes that such developments form part of a larger crackdown on dissent, where legal processes are weaponized to instill fear and suppress resistance.

CASR has put forward the following demands:

1. Immediate withdrawal of all notices issued to Samrat Singh in this fabricated case.

2. An end to the harassment, surveillance, and intimidation of activists, students, and civil rights defenders.

3. A judicial review of the Lucknow Conspiracy Case and accountability for the misuse of investigative powers.

The coalition called on all democratic forces, civil liberties organizations, and concerned citizens to unite against what it terms the systematic criminalization of dissent. It warned that unchallenged actions like these set a dangerous precedent, allowing any individual advocating for justice to be branded a conspirator and subjected to state repression.

The statement was issued by the Organizing Team of CASR, which includes groups such as AIRSO, AISA, AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, bsCEM, CEM, Collective, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya Magazine, Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Samajwadi Lok Manch, Bahujan Samajwadi Manch, SFI, United Peace Alliance, WSS, and Y4S.