Indian netizens outraged over social media platforms and criticised the Delhi Police for arresting activist Disha Ravi.
On the night of the 13th of February, the Delhi Police arrested Disha Ravi, a 22 year old activist from Soladevanahalli, Bengaluru.
The police alleged Ms. Ravi of editing and circulating a document tweeted by climate activist Greta Thunberg that authorities say is anti-government. The tweet was related to the ongoing farmers protest against the three farm laws in India.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR on the 14th of February on charges of sedition, criminal conspiracy and promoting hatred among groups under Sections 124-A, 120-A and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code against the “creators” of the ‘toolkit’, which was later shared by global climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Swedish climate activist Thunberg recently tweeted a document, explaining her stand and supporting the protesting Indian farmers. In her tweet, she also mentioned the new three farm laws would be a harm for farmers of India, putting their livelihood at stake and would benefit corporations. The document of Ms. Greta was also called a toolkit for creating awareness about the farmers’ protest.
Ms. Ravi shared the same document, following which the New Delhi Police arrested her. She was kept in remand until hearing, which is likely to be held on the 17th of February.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police took to Twitter and tried to clear the reason behind Disha’s arrest.
The tweet said she was an “editor” of the toolkit document and a “key conspirator in document’s formulation & dissemination”, adding that she collaborated to “spread disaffection against the Indian state.”
In support of Disha Ravi, Shashi Tharoor, a senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader came out.
Mr. Tharoor shared a picture of disgraced Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh who is out on bail and said, “Activists in jail while accused terrorists are on bail. Wondering how our authorities would commemorate this case on the anniversary of Pulwama attack? You have the answer in this pair of headlines.”
In another tweet, Mr. Tharoor said, “DishaRavi’s arrest is the latest escalation in India’s crackdown on free expression&political dissent as it seeks2stifle the farmers’ mass protests, says the @dailytelegraph UK. Doesn’t GoI care about the damage it’s doing to its own global image? ”
Similar to Shashi Tharoor, many politicians, writers, activists, authors and academics are extending support to Disha, criticising her arrest.
Jairam Ramesh, an INC leader said, “Completely atrocious! This is unwarranted harassment and intimidation. I express my full solidarity with Disha Ravi.”
P. Chidambaram, the former Finance Minister of India and an INC leader said, “I strongly condemn the arrest of Disha Ravi and urge all students and youth to raise their voices to protest against the authoritarian regime.” In another tweet, he said, “A ‘took kit’ to support the farmers’ protest is more dangerous than the intrusion by Chinese troops into Indian territory!
India is becoming the theatre of the absurd and it is sad that the Delhi Police has become a tool of the oppressors.”
Sitaram Yechury, another politician said, “Modi regime thinks by arresting a grand daughter of farmers, under Sedition, it can weaken the farmers’ struggles.
In fact, it will awaken the youth of the country and strengthen the struggles for democracy. #DishaRavi.”
The tweets were flooded with #DishaRavi #ToolKitsAreNoConspiracy.
Stay tuned for further updates.
