Telangana Police Under Fire for Alleged Targeting of Activists and Journalists

In a developing story that has garnered widespread attention, Telangana Police are facing severe criticism for their alleged systematic targeting of activists, journalists, and intellectuals under various legal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Telangana Public Security Act, and the Arms Act. The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued a strong condemnation of what they describe as "habitual actions" to stifle dissent and impose criminal charges on individuals exercising their democratic rights.

According to the information that has come to light, Telangana Police have filed cases against several individuals, categorizing them into three groups. The first category includes individuals whom the police have labeled as "top Maoist leaders," a list comprising names such as Namballa Kesava Rao, Muppala Lakshman Rao, Mallojula Venugopal Rao, Tippiri Tirupati, Kadari Satyanarayan Reddy, K.R. Reddy, M.R. Reddy, Paka Hanumanta, Gajarla Ravi, Modem Balakrishna, and Konnath Muralidharan.

The second category, referred to as "other leaders," includes individuals like CP Moinuddin, Pradeep, Verghese, CP Rashid, CP Ismail, and K.P. Sethunath, who serves as the Editor-in-chief of the Malabar Journal. Lastly, the third category encompasses various activists and journalists, among them Gade Padmakumari, Narla Ravi Sharma, Varalakshmi, Pinakapani, Nakka Narayana, and N. Venugopal.

Critics have pointed out significant discrepancies in the charges filed against these individuals. For example, journalist N. Venugopal has been listed as a leader of the cultural organization Virasam, despite not being associated with the organization since 2009. CP Moinuddin's inclusion in another case, related to the ongoing resistance against the seizure of Adivasi land from Aralam farms, has raised questions. Additionally, CP Rashid, a human rights activist, is the brother of CP Jaleel, who was allegedly identified as a Maoist and killed by the Kerala Thunderbolts. Rashid had actively advocated for a thorough investigation into his brother's case, citing numerous discrepancies in the police's version of events.

These arrests and charges have been followed by a series of suppression tactics employed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) across the country. In a recent incident in Jharkhand, the crime branch initiated investigations against 64 organizations, including Gandhian and civil rights groups, on allegations of association with Maoists. Similar tactics have been reported in anti-displacement movements in Niyamgiri and the Mali Parbat hill area. Furthermore, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have witnessed a wave of arrests and NIA raids targeting democratic and student organizations, as well as anti-displacement groups like Kaimur Mukti Morcha.

The labelling of any organization engaging in dissent as Maoist-associated has raised concerns that the state may be attempting to create a chilling effect and lay the groundwork for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In response to these developments, the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), comprising various organizations including AIRSO, AISA, AISF, APCR, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, Bigul Mazdoor Dasta, bsCEM, CEM, CRPP, CTF, Disha, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Fraternity, IAPL, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, Morcha Patrika, NAPM, NBS, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Samajwadi lok manch, Bahujan Samajvadi Manch, SFI, United Against Hate, WSS, and Y4S, has vehemently condemned the state's tactics to curb democratic resistance.

The CASR has called for the immediate quashing of all charges and an independent inquiry into the alleged country-wide coordinated methods of state repression against democratic voices and assertions.

As this situation continues to develop, concerns about the state of democratic freedoms and the right to dissent in Telangana and beyond are growing.

Also Read-