Political tensions rose in Delhi as anti-CEC protests were organized by the AISA and CJP. The protests drew supporters to the streets of Delhi, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISA activist Neha Bora participating in the rally.
As the protests occurred, the Delhi Police took action. Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora were among those taken into police custody. The police had previously served Dipke with a notice prohibiting him from joining the rally.
Release AISA President Neha, CJP Leader Abhijeet Dipke and All Detained Protesters! On October 16, thousands of people carried out peaceful Tiranga marches from various parts of Delhi to Connaught Place. At several places, Delhi Police and paramilitary forces unleashed repression against tricolour-carrying protesters marching to Save Democracy and Defend the Right to Vote, detaining several people. 🔴 AISA President Comrade Neha was detained during the march from Mandi House. They were initially taken to the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) South West District and were later shifted to another location. A legal team has been deployed and is following up. 🔴 CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke was also detained outside his place of stay ahead of the Tiranga march. His whereabouts remain unknown. We condemn the Modi-Shah regime’s colonial-style police violence against peaceful protesters and movement leaders and demand the immediate release of Comrade Neha, Abhijeet Dipke and all other people detained by the police. Modi-Shah’s colonial police repression cannot silence voices demanding justice! Vote Chor Gyanesh Kumar Must Resign! -- HQ, CPIML Liberation 16 OCT | 2130 hrs @neha_aisa @aisa_official_ @Cockroachisback
The detention of the key leaders drew immediate scrutiny. CPI(M) MP John Brittas and former Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin raised questions about the police's actions. Brittas asked, 'Why is the police hiding the address of a citizen who is in custody?' Stalin added, 'Why are the addresses of the two leaders not being disclosed?' Their statements highlighted concerns regarding the lack of transparency from the police.
The organizations claim that the police have not allowed their lawyers to meet the leaders.
AISA and CJP have expressed concerns regarding the detention. The organizations claim that the police have not allowed their lawyers to meet the leaders. AISA further claims that Neha Bora was taken to solitary confinement in Mongolpuri and is not in contact with anyone.
Delhi Police, under WHAT law are @neha_aisa and @abhijeet_dipke being detained? What precisely justifies depriving them of their liberty? The latest information is that Neha is at RK Puram police station. She needs medicines. Ensure she receives them immediately- her health is your legal responsibility. Has the Constitution been suspended at the police-station gate? Here is a quick reminder of the applicable laws for @DelhiPolice - • Article 19(1)(a) & (b): freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. • Articles 21 & 22: personal liberty and safeguards against arbitrary arrest. • Section 48 BNSS: promptly inform a nominated relative or friend of the arrest AND place of custody. • Section 56 BNSS: protect the health and safety of the person in custody. And if Neha was arrested after sunset, where is the prior Magistrate’s permission required under Section 43(5) BNSS? Where are the safeguards mandated in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, (1997) 1 SCC 416? Calling it “detention” does not make constitutional safeguards disappear. Disclose the legal grounds. Ensure medicines and access to counsel. Release them unless you can establish lawful grounds to hold them. Solidarity with Neha, Abhijeet and every peaceful protester. Constitutional rights are not favours from Delhi Police. #ReleaseNehaNow #ReleaseAbhijeetNow #RightToPeacefulProtest
The situation in Delhi remains tense as opposition leaders continue to demand transparency from the police regarding the locations of the detained individuals. The detention of 150 people, including key leaders of the AISA and CJP, has sparked a broader discussion on the police's handling of the situation.