The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a coalition of human rights and labour organizations, has expressed grave concern over the continued targeting of labour rights activist Shiv Kumar, who has recently been issued a notice by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the so-called "Lucknow Conspiracy Case."

In a statement, CASR said this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader and dangerous pattern of repression. The organization noted that the Lucknow Conspiracy Case has already been used to target students, advocates, human rights defenders, and labour rights activists across multiple states. According to CASR, the inclusion of Shiv Kumar in this case reflects the expanding scope of this crackdown—aimed at silencing dissent and weakening working-class movements.

CASR stated that in July 2025, the NIA arrested Priyanshu Kashyap, a labour rights activist and former Delhi University student associated with the Delhi General Mazdoor Front (DGMF), from Hisar, Haryana, in connection with the same case. The organization said his arrest is part of a broader pattern of harassment and suppression of activists working among workers, peasants, Adivasis, Dalits, and marginalized communities. CASR further stated that the continued targeting of such individuals under vague conspiracy charges demonstrates that this case is being used as a political tool to criminalise dissent.

Systematic Targeting of Labour Rights Activists

According to CASR, this case has increasingly become a mechanism to target labour organisers and grassroots activists. The organization said several labour rights activists are being surveilled, harassed, and implicated under sweeping allegations of "conspiracy" and "extremist links," without transparent or credible evidence. CASR stated that the targeting of Shiv Kumar, who has been working for over a decade with the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan in the Kundli industrial area of Sonipat, Haryana, reflects a deliberate attempt to suppress working-class mobilisations in the Delhi-NCR region.

CASR also noted that across Delhi-NCR, workers' protests are being delegitimised by branding them as "Naxal-linked." The organization said this pattern reveals the fear of authorities that organised labour resistance—particularly in key industrial belts like Kundli—may grow stronger and more widespread.

Shiv Kumar: Allegations of Custodial Violence

CASR stated that the targeting of Shiv Kumar must be understood in the context of sustained state repression against him over the past several years. According to the statement, around five years ago, Shiv Kumar was abducted by the Haryana Police during the historic farmers' protest and subjected to brutal custodial torture. CASR said his case is currently pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has already acknowledged that he was tortured and has sought action against the responsible police officials.

The organization further alleged that on March 12, 2025, Shiv Kumar was again abducted—this time by the Delhi Police Special Cell—from outside Dayal Singh College, Delhi University. CASR stated that he was illegally detained for around 60 hours in New Friends Colony and subjected to severe torture, including being stripped naked and brutally assaulted. According to CASR, affidavits submitted by the Delhi Police in the Delhi High Court (in habeas corpus proceedings) confirmed that officials from central intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and NIA, were involved in his custody and interrogation.

CASR noted that despite the seriousness of these allegations, no action has been taken against the responsible officials. The organization said the matter remains sub judice before the Delhi High Court. CASR also stated that during his custody, Shiv Kumar was coerced by intelligence officials to become a witness against arrested activists, including Advocate Ajay Singhal, who was arrested in 2024 in connection with the same case. According to CASR, instead of ensuring accountability for past violations, the state has escalated its repression by issuing yet another notice to Shiv Kumar under the NIA.

CASR stated that the repeated targeting of activists through cases like the Lucknow Conspiracy reflects a systematic erosion of democratic rights. The organization said the use of draconian laws and investigative agencies to suppress dissent undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions. According to CASR, labour movements, student groups, and civil society organisations are increasingly facing surveillance, intimidation, arrests, and fabricated charges. The organization added that this not only creates an atmosphere of fear but also restricts the ability of people—especially from marginalized communities—to organise and demand justice.

CASR has put forward the following demands:

- Immediately withdraw the notice issued to Shiv Kumar unless transparent, credible, and publicly verifiable evidence is produced.

- Quash FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow, which is being misused to target activists.

- Immediately release all activists arrested or detained in connection with this case.

- Ensure accountability and legal action against police and security officials involved in custodial torture and illegal detention of Shiv Kumar.

- Guarantee that no activist is forced or coerced into becoming a witness through intimidation or torture.

- Stop the criminalisation of labour movements, student activism, and democratic dissent.

- Protect the constitutional rights of speech, association, and peaceful protest.

CASR stated that it stands in unwavering solidarity with Shiv Kumar and all activists facing repression under the guise of conspiracy and counter-terror investigations. The organization has called upon all democratic rights organisations, trade unions, student groups, and concerned citizens to raise their voices against this systematic witch-hunting of activists and defend the fundamental principles of justice, dignity, and democracy.

The statement was issued by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) with the support of its organising teams.