A 24-year-old law student, Mohammad Junaid, has approached India's Supreme Court alleging unlawful detention and questioning by police before a major student protest concluded. Junaid was a key volunteer for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.
The case highlights concerns about potential police overreach and the targeting of activists in India, raising questions about civil liberties and the treatment of minority groups during protests.
Mohammad Junaid, a 24-year-old law student and key volunteer for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests, has approached India's Supreme Court alleging unlawful detention and questioning by police. Junaid claims he was detained overnight and questioned about his role in the protests before they concluded.
The alleged actions against Junaid have drawn criticism from opposition politicians and civil liberties groups, with CJP leaders accusing authorities of targeting protest volunteers. The Delhi Police have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Junaid's petition comes amid broader allegations of a police crackdown on protesters across India. The Supreme Court has directed authorities to refrain from coercive action against protesters without criminal records while it hears the case. The CJP has stated it will resume its strike if cases against protesters are not withdrawn.
Junaid, who initially joined the protest expecting to stay only one day, became a central figure in organizing food, water, and shelter for participants over six weeks. He described the relentless work and the emotional toll of hearing personal stories from affected students and parents.
Following a large-scale police crackdown on July 20, where thousands of demonstrators were detained, tear-gassed, and baton-charged, Junaid spent hours assisting protesters. Five days later, after the education minister resigned, the CJP called off the protest.
However, Junaid's own experience took a different turn. He alleges he was detained after leaving a hospital for a dog bite and was questioned extensively. His petition also claims he was blindfolded en route to the police station. Furthermore, Junaid alleges police targeted his family, with his father being questioned and their home searched.
Ghaziabad Police denied the allegations of mistreatment, confirming only that Junaid's father was questioned. Junaid expressed concern that his Muslim identity might have influenced the treatment he received, though he has no direct evidence. The government has previously rejected accusations of marginalizing Muslims.