‘Are you trying to intimidate us,’ student questions Delhi Police over home notice

The political row over the police action against students who participated in the Jantar Mantar protest intensified on Tuesday, with leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing the Centre of intimidating young protesters, while student leaders and activists alleged harassment, threats and misuse of police powers in the aftermath of the demonstration.

The controversy follows a series of police actions against individuals associated with the protest, including student leaders, activists and social media content creators, who claim they have been subjected to questioning, legal cases and intimidation after taking part in the agitation.

Among the first prominent student leaders to face police action was Aishe Ghosh, former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union and a leader of the Students' Federation of India (SFI). According to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Delhi Police officers entered the party's central office on 28 July in an attempt to detain her. The party alleged that officers failed to produce a valid arrest warrant, prompting objections from CPI(M) MP John Brittas, after which the police withdrew.

The CPI(M) described the action as politically motivated. Senior party leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the police action reflected political retaliation, noting that the SFI had played an active role in organising the recent protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Others linked to the protest have also alleged harassment. Mohammad Junaid, who had organised food distribution for demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, said he and his family were questioned by the police. He has since approached the court challenging the action.

Addressing a press conference on 5 August, Rahul Gandhi said that raising concerns over the country's education system could not be treated as a crime. He alleged that while the government publicly spoke of reconciliation with students, it was simultaneously sending officials to their homes and intimidating those who had participated in the protests.

Several young participants also alleged that they had been subjected to threats and sustained harassment after the demonstration. Ruchika Singh and Shraddha Singh claimed they faced intimidation, online abuse and psychological pressure because of their participation. Ruchika further alleged that she was coerced into issuing an apology.

Participants and social media creators associated with the protest also alleged that they received death and rape threats, had their personal details circulated online and faced police complaints after the demonstration.

On 29 July, six FIRs, including a zero FIR, were reportedly registered against Ruchika Singh in Noida under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

At the same press conference, activist Riya Ahir alleged that she had intervened to prevent the unlawful detention of students during the protest but had since faced harassment herself. She claimed that despite filing a police complaint on 27 July, no FIR had been registered in connection with her allegations.

The Opposition has continued to criticise the police action taken during and after the 20 July protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Rahul Gandhi praised the students for speaking publicly despite the pressure they claimed to have faced, saying their willingness to come forward reflected considerable courage.