The delegation raised concerns over blatant violations of legal safeguards, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that mandates out-of-state police officers to notify and cooperate with local authorities when conducting inter-state investigations
Published Dec 12, 2024 | 7:09 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2024 | 7:09 PM
Lawyers, activists and students appeal to DGP over inter-state investigations and hate speech
A delegation of lawyers, activists, and students has urged Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Mohan, to take action against Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police for allegedly flouting inter-state investigation guidelines and for their role in targeting human rights defender Nadeem Khan and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair.
The delegation, which included members of the civil rights community, accused the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police of harassing the two men, violating criminal procedure law guidelines during investigations. They also called for stronger measures against hate speech in Karnataka, particularly targeting right-wing groups.
The controversy began when Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, reposted a video of Yati Narsinghanand’s alleged hate speech in Ghaziabad on 29 September, 2024. Zubair, who had called for action against Narsinghanand, was later targeted by Uttar Pradesh police.
On 28 October, Uttar Pradesh police arrived unannounced at Zubair’s residence in Bengaluru without a warrant or informing local authorities, in violation of the guidelines for inter-state investigations.
Similarly, Nadeem Khan, a well-known human rights defender and National Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, was harassed by Delhi police after organising an exhibition in Delhi on 30 November, 2024.
On the same day, Delhi police officers arrived at his brother’s home in Bengaluru and coerced him into travelling to Delhi without proper legal procedure. The Delhi police failed to notify local authorities, further violating jurisdictional protocol.
In the letter, the delegation expressed concerns over the blatant violation of legal and procedural safeguards, citing a Supreme Court ruling that requires police officers to notify and cooperate with local authorities when conducting inter-state investigations.
The delegation also pointed to previous cases, such as the illegal detention of climate activist Disha Ravi by Delhi Police in Bengaluru, as examples of growing disregard for federal principles.
Alongside their concerns over the harassment of Zubair and Khan, the delegation, in their letter, also urged Karnataka police to act decisively against the growing incidents of hate speech in the state.
They particularly referenced speeches by politicians like Eshwarappa and Yatnal, which have sparked concerns about the rise of communal tensions in the region.
The petitioners highlighted the vital role that Zubair and Khan play in exposing hate campaigns, with Zubair’s fact-checking efforts and Khan’s documentation of human rights violations.
They stressed the need for Karnataka police to take action against those spreading hate speech while ensuring protection for human rights defenders who are being targeted.
The delegation called on the Karnataka DGP to initiate a departmental inquiry into the actions of the Uttar Pradesh and Delhi police officers involved and issue clear guidelines for inter-state cooperation in compliance with the law.
They also demanded the Karnataka police take stronger action against hate speech and ensure that legal frameworks are followed in cases of hate-related incidents.
They urged the government to issue a government order ensuring the implementation of Supreme Court orders related to hate speech and inter-state investigations, emphasising the need for police cooperation and accountability in these matters.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Mahesh M Goudar)
