look news india
Once again, political and social activities have become very intense at Jantar Mantar, the most famous protest venue of the country’s capital New Delhi. A special team of Delhi Police has again detained prominent social worker and Right to Information (RTI) activist Saurav Das and his associate Ashutosh Ranka along with many of their supporters and associates. This entire incident happened when these people had come to Jantar Mantar to organize a peaceful protest and meeting regarding their previously declared demands and democratic rights.
As soon as the workers gathered there and started their sloganeering and speeches, heavy police force and security agencies deployed in the area swung into action and immediately stopped them. Police officials say that from the point of view of maintaining security and law and order, Section 144 and applicable guidelines are being followed in this area, due to which no large gathering or protest of any kind can be allowed without prior administrative permission.
As soon as the news of the detention of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka comes out, there is huge anger among the groups of civil rights and social workers. The activists say that they were not creating any kind of disturbance or violating the law, but only wanted to present their views to the government and the public in a peaceful manner using their democratic and constitutional rights.
Earlier also these activists were detained during a similar demonstration and were released after a few hours. Now once again, with such sudden police action, the question has started to arise whether the scope for registering a peaceful protest in the capital is ending? Immediately after being taken into custody, the police took Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in a bus to the nearest police station (possibly Sansad Marg or Mandir Marg police station), where they are being interrogated and the necessary legal paperwork is being completed.
The stand of Delhi Police Administration on this entire incident is very clear and strict. Police officials say that the Jantar Mantar area of New Delhi is a very sensitive area, which is very close to the Parliament House, various ministries and the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In such a situation, any organization or group preparing a stage or gathering crowd without prior police approval can become a big threat to security.
In view of the law and order situation in Delhi in recent times, additional barricading and deployment of police forces has been increased in sensitive areas. The police argue that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of common citizens is their first priority, and administrative action will be taken as per rules against any person or group who violates the rules.
After this incident of sudden arrest and detention of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, human rights organizations and various activist groups have started giving their reactions from social media to the streets. Many prominent legal experts and lawyers have also expressed their concern over this entire process. They believe that preventing any citizen from expressing his views or repeatedly detaining him without any serious criminal basis is a violation of his fundamental rights.
Now it remains to be seen how long Delhi Police releases these workers on bond or whether any further FIR or formal legal action is registered in this matter. This development has once again sparked a new debate on the thin line between civil rights, administrative permissions and police powers within the national capital.