Family of Jantar Mantar Volunteer Detained by UP Police Released Amid Controversy

The family of Muhammad Junaid, a Muslim volunteer who has been providing food and water to demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, has been released after a brief detention by police in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. This incident has raised significant questions about police actions and the treatment of families of individuals involved in protests.

According to reports, Junaid shared a video on social media stating that he and his family were safe after facing police actions that began on Friday. He described how officers visited his Ghaziabad home on Thursday, taking away his father. After being released late that night, Junaid’s father was reportedly detained again the following morning. Junaid alleged that the police also apprehended his sister’s father-in-law and brother-in-law in Meerut, transporting them to a local police station.

In a further escalation, Junaid claimed that law enforcement officials seized important documents from his family, including bank passbooks and Aadhaar cards, stating they would only be returned if he reported to the police station. Junaid maintained that he has committed no crime and was not wanted in any legal case.

In response to these allegations, authorities have denied any wrongdoing. Senior Superintendent of Police Avinash Pandey stated to PTI that he was unaware of such incidents taking place, while Superintendent of Police Vinayak Gopal Bhonsle also dismissed the claims of police misconduct. This discrepancy between the police’s official stance and Junaid’s account has sparked discussions about the rights of individuals involved in protests and the responsibilities of law enforcement.

The situation at Jantar Mantar has been a focal point for various protests, particularly those related to social and political issues. Volunteers like Junaid play a crucial role in supporting demonstrators, which often puts them and their families at risk of scrutiny or harassment by authorities. As tensions continue to rise in various sectors of Indian society, this incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding civil liberties and police accountability in the country.

Source: scroll.in