The Madhya Pradesh Government, bent to stifle the ongoing protest of Narmada dam evacuees, early Wednesday, arrested leader Medha Patkar after she was discharged from Bombay Hospital by the Indore Police. A Habeas Corpus application was filed in the Court there when none of her colleagues were allowed to meet her in hospital.
Earlier chief minister, Shivraj Chouhan and his administration had claimed she was on hospitalized given her failing health, but while in hospital she was denied access to her colleagues and and was under complete arrest. Only after much pressure, was one colleague from NBA, was reportedly given limited access to her.
On Wednesday, August 9, after her discharge from the hospital in the afternoon, Medha Patkar reportedly began from 4 PM from Indore, towards Badwani, after meeting her supporters and resting a bit. Ms Patkar has continued to fast and yesterday was the 14th day of her fast. All 9 other activists fasting continue under arrest at the Dhar District Hospital, where limited access has been given to them.
As her vehicle was moving towards Barwani, Medha Patkar’s vehicle was intercepted by nearly 35 police vehicles and she was taken by them. The vehicle’s driver was forced out and now TI is driving them all towards Dhar to be produced in front of the SDM.
NBA alleges that the administration wants to press charges –for the violence unleashed by the police on the protesters (August 7), in which 42 people were injured. So far, the police has refused to file any FIR, as urged by protesters of the NBA. On the contrary, the police FIR has named 35 people and another 2500 unknown persons as accused!
The NBA has alleged that this is a travesty of justice and nothing but an attempt to intimidate and terrorise the Andolan.
Urgent Alert
Call or send a message to Dhar Collector : 7694868888 / 07292 – 234702 dmdhar@nic.in
Dhar SP : 9425072424 / 07292-235228 spodha@mp.gov.in
Condemn and Demand them to release Medha Patkar and 9 others who have been arrested by them on false charges.
#ReleaseMedhaNow Medha Patkar taken to Dhar jail. Lawyer denied entry to jail. MP becoming haven of sarkari terror. https://t.co/PAIpLykf0x