The Crossbill News Desk
Former IIT Professor and social activist V.K. Tripathi was stopped by the Maharashtra police in Dharavi on Saturday, September 27, while distributing pamphlets carrying a message of non-violence and solidarity with Gaza.
According to reports in Mumbai Mirror, a group of 22 policemen intercepted Tripathi at the T-junction in Dharavi, seized the bundle of leaflets he was carrying, and informed him that pamphlets on sensitive issues could not be distributed without prior permission. He was subsequently taken to the Dharavi police station.
“He was not detained. We only wanted to explain to him that he cannot hand out pamphlets on sensitive issues. It might not be a nuisance in itself, but it can spark arguments or even clashes if someone opposes the idea. Mr Tripathi is a senior citizen, he was alone, and it was risky. Without orders, we cannot allow such activity,” senior inspector Raju Bidkar said.
Tripathi, who is known for his campaigns against communal hate through dialogue, leaflets and peaceful actions, has earlier held fasts at Rajghat and travelled across cities distributing appeals for communal harmony. He said he was shocked by the intervention.
“I am not blaming or speaking ill of any community. I hold both Hamas and Israel equally responsible for the violence. My concern is how humanity is suffering on both sides. Neither my words nor the pamphlet singled out any religion or group. It was shocking that I was stopped from distributing them,” Tripathi told Mumbai Mirror.
At the police station, Tripathi was asked to wait for nearly an hour before being allowed to leave with a written notice. Afterward, he said, some police personnel followed him on a motorcycle.
“I am disappointed, not because I came all the way from Delhi and was stopped from doing what I set out to do, but because a person is not allowed to express himself even when doing so mildly and peacefully. I fail to understand what was wrong. There was nothing dangerous or controversial in what I was saying, nor in the leaflets … they were meant for everyone. None of the people I approached had any objection or anger; it was only the police who intervened. Still, I have no regrets, no qualms. I will continue to do what I have to,” he said.
According to reports in Mumbai Mirror, a group of 22 policemen intercepted Tripathi at the T-junction in Dharavi, seized the bundle of leaflets he was carrying, and informed him that pamphlets on sensitive issues could not be distributed without prior permission. He was subsequently taken to the Dharavi police station.
“He was not detained. We only wanted to explain to him that he cannot hand out pamphlets on sensitive issues. It might not be a nuisance in itself, but it can spark arguments or even clashes if someone opposes the idea. Mr Tripathi is a senior citizen, he was alone, and it was risky. Without orders, we cannot allow such activity,” senior inspector Raju Bidkar said.
Tripathi, who is known for his campaigns against communal hate through dialogue, leaflets and peaceful actions, has earlier held fasts at Rajghat and travelled across cities distributing appeals for communal harmony. He said he was shocked by the intervention.
“I am not blaming or speaking ill of any community. I hold both Hamas and Israel equally responsible for the violence. My concern is how humanity is suffering on both sides. Neither my words nor the pamphlet singled out any religion or group. It was shocking that I was stopped from distributing them,” Tripathi told Mumbai Mirror.
At the police station, Tripathi was asked to wait for nearly an hour before being allowed to leave with a written notice. Afterward, he said, some police personnel followed him on a motorcycle.
“I am disappointed, not because I came all the way from Delhi and was stopped from doing what I set out to do, but because a person is not allowed to express himself even when doing so mildly and peacefully. I fail to understand what was wrong. There was nothing dangerous or controversial in what I was saying, nor in the leaflets … they were meant for everyone. None of the people I approached had any objection or anger; it was only the police who intervened. Still, I have no regrets, no qualms. I will continue to do what I have to,” he said.
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