Statement on the arrests of Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha

"I earnestly hope that you will speak out before your turn comes."
- Anand Teltumbde

As the nation was celebrating the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, his grandson-in-law Anand Teltumbde was being arrested by the National Investigation Agency along with fellow activist Gautam Navlakha, under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The charges against the duo are framed in connection with the "Bhima Koregaon" case. The case according to a report by the American Bar Association, raises concerns of “procedural irregularities, abuse of process, and violations of fundamental human rights.” Even Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who had initially presided over the case has questioned the veracity of the 13 letters that police has submitted as evidence against the accused in the case.

The Political Science Association wishes to express its shock and dismay at the way these scholars and human rights activists were sent to jail at a time when State governments all over the country have been granting bails and paroles to convicts and under-trials, under the orders of the Supreme Court, to decongest their overcrowded prisons amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Association would like to also raise our concerns regarding the repeated usage of the anti-terror law UAPA by the State as a tool to stifle dissent, and stands in solidarity with the activists.