Junaid Alleges Illegal Detention During Jantar Mantar Protest, Moves Supreme Court for Independent Investigation
NEW DELHI: Activist Junaid has alleged that he was illegally detained by the Delhi Police during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, claiming he was blindfolded, questioned for several hours and later released near Dehradun in Uttarakhand. The Delhi Police have not yet responded to these allegations, while Ghaziabad Police have denied taking him into custody. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Claims of Illegal Detention
According to Junaid, he had been present at the Jantar Mantar protest since it began on 20 June, helping to arrange food and drinking water for demonstrators. However, he said he was missing when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned because he was allegedly being held in illegal custody.
Junaid claimed that after receiving treatment for a dog bite at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on 24 July, he and a companion were stopped by men who identified themselves as Delhi Police officers. He alleged they were in plain clothes, travelling in a white Scorpio without a number plate, and did not show any warrant or written order.
The BBC said it has not independently verified these allegations.
Blindfolded and Questioned
Junaid alleged that he and his companion were forced into the vehicle, blindfolded and had their mobile phones taken away.
He claimed he was taken to an unknown location where he was questioned until the following day. According to him, investigators repeatedly asked why he travelled from Ghaziabad to Jantar Mantar and how food for protesters was being funded.
Junaid said he explained that meals were arranged through voluntary support, including online food deliveries, farmers’ organisations and langar services from gurdwaras. He also stated that he had decided not to accept cash donations or online financial contributions.
Family Allegedly Questioned
Junaid further alleged that Uttar Pradesh Police questioned several members of his family.
He claimed that his father was taken for questioning on 23 and 24 July, while identity documents, including Aadhaar and bank records, were examined. He also alleged that his sister’s father-in-law and brother-in-law in Meerut were made to sit at a local police station for questioning.
Police Response
Ghaziabad Police confirmed that Junaid’s family members were questioned but denied that he had been taken into custody.
Meerut Police did not respond to questions regarding the allegations, while the Delhi Police had not issued a response at the time of publication.
Supreme Court Petition
Junaid has approached the Supreme Court of India, alleging illegal detention, harassment of his family and violations of legal procedure.
In his petition, he has requested:
- An independent investigation into the alleged detention.
- Protection from any punitive action against him or his family.
- Judicial scrutiny of the actions taken by the authorities.
Evidence Presented
Junaid said he did not have access to his mobile phone during the alleged detention.
He claimed that after his release, he photographed a police station near the location where he was dropped and retained hospital records from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital along with a cab receipt for his return to Delhi. According to the BBC, it reviewed these documents but stated that they do not independently verify the allegations.
Junaid Says He Will Continue Activism
Junaid, a law student, said he intends to continue participating in public movements and work on education-related issues in the future.
He said learning about the resignation of the Union Education Minister while he was allegedly detained strengthened his belief that efforts aimed at improving students’ future were worthwhile.
