Image Courtesy:thewire.in
In January this year, Suvarna Salve, a cultural activist associated with the Samta Kala Manch participated in the ‘Occupy Gateway’ protest demanding justice for students who were injured in the attack that took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) the previous day. In February, Salve was arrested along with 30 others, but later let off on bail. However, her troubles didn’t end there.
Now, The Wire reports that the Mumbai police have sought a surety of Rs 50 lakh from the 24-year-old. What’s worse, despite the fact that she had been booked in connection with only one instance, the police have labeled her a “habitual offender”.
According to The Wire report the notice was issued on August 24 and it seeks an explanation as to why Salve a proceeding should not be initiated against her under Section 110 (e) of the CrPC. The notice also requires at least one of two persons to appear as a “surety”, pledging an amount of Rs 50 lakh, ensuring her good behaviour for the next two years. If she fails, the amount or the property would be confiscated by the state.
Image Courtesy: The Wire
It is noteworthy that the Occupy Gateway protest saw over 300 people, mostly students and activists coming together to protest the brutal attack on JNU students. However, the manner in which Salve has been targeted suggests that this is nothing but an intimidation tactic to silence dissenters.
The protesters had been named in two separate FIRs at Colaba and MRA Marg police stations and were booked under sections 141, 143 and 149 (unlawful assembly) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 37 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951.
Now, the JNU Teacher’s Association has come out in support of Salve. In a statement released JNUTA said, “The JNUTA expresses its concern at reports that the Mumbai Police has slapped a notice on student and cultural activist Suvarna Salve of the Samata Kala Manch whereby it is seeking surety of a whopping Rs 50 lakhs from her.”
Further expressing gratitude and solidarity JNUTA said, “The JNU community is eternally grateful for the solidarity and support it received from across the country and the world when it was targeted in a systematic orgy of violence that was aided and abetted by the Police, the University Administration and the JNU Security. It therefore is duty bound to raise its voice when one of those who came out in JNU’s support is singled out to be targeted and persecuted in this way in what appears to be an attempt to silence the voice of someone who has been raising her voice against the injustices that remain a feature of India’s social reality.”
The JNUTA has urged “the Maharashtra Government, a Government with which many who had also spoken out against the violence in JNU are associated, to intervene and ensure that this reprehensible action against Suvarna Sule is withdrawn immediately.”
The entire statement may be read here:
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