2 weeks ago

Saurav Das Alleges Intimidation; Police Call It I-Day Drill

Saurav Das Alleges Intimidation; Police Call It I-Day Drill
What Puducherry Police said over visit to Saurav Das’ home: ‘Routine Independence Day eve drill’ · livemint.com

A man named Saurav Das lives in Puducherry, a city in India.

He helps lead a small political party called the Cockroach Janta Party.

He said police officers came to his family's house and asked his family many questions.

He thinks the police were sent to scare him because of his political work.

He wrote about it online and asked who gave the order for the visit.

The police said they were just doing a routine safety check before Independence Day, a big national celebration in India.

They said they were checking houses and hotels in areas where important people visit.

Das does not agree with the police explanation and says the central government is trying to frighten his family.

He says the visit will not stop him from speaking out and has made him more determined to work for a better system.

Key facts

Key figure
Saurav Das, co-convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
Allegation
Political intimidation by the BJP government in Puducherry, allegedly at the behest of the Union government
Police response
Routine security exercise ahead of Independence Day celebrations, checking residences and hotels in VIP-frequented areas
Location
Das's family home in the White Town area, Puducherry
Date
Wednesday, ahead of Independence Day
Police official quoted
Nithya Radhakrishnan, IPS, senior officer in-charge of crime and intelligence
Related event
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Puducherry two days before the incident
Das's response
Intimidation won't silence me

Quotes

Nithya Radhakrishnan

Senior officer in-charge of crime and intelligence, IPS

“If the intention is to intimidate me into silence, it will not work. This will not cower me down. It only strengthens our resolve to build a better system, one where the police uphold the law instead of acting like goondas!”
freepressjournal.in livemint.com
“Two hours ago, the Pondicherry Police showed up at my family's home and subjected them to all kinds of questioning. Why this harassment, @PuducheryPolice? Who ordered this and for what purpose? Is this the legal procedure?”
freepressjournal.in livemint.com indianexpress.com

Sources

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