Detention of CLC Leaders Sparks Protests

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Kothagudem, 14 September 2024:- The detention of Civil Liberties Committee (CLC) leaders by police has triggered widespread condemnation, as prominent figures within the organization were stopped while on a mission to investigate a recent encounter site near Mothe village under Karakagudem police station limits.

The CLC, a respected human rights body in Telangana, has long been known for its role in monitoring and investigating incidents of police excesses and safeguarding civil rights. On this occasion, CLC president Professor Gaddam Laxman, general secretary N Narayana Rao, and nine other members were on their way to examine the site of the encounter that raised concerns regarding potential human rights violations. However, their journey was abruptly interrupted when the police intercepted their bus at the Sri Abhayanjaneya Swamy Temple area near Manugur.

The group was detained and initially taken to Aswapuram police station in a school bus before reportedly being transferred to Khammam. This action has ignited protests in Kothagudem, where members of various people’s organizations gathered at the bus stand area, expressing their outrage over the police’s actions.

Protesters, consisting of rights activists, political organizations, and concerned citizens, condemned the state government for stifling civil liberties. They raised slogans against the ruling government, criticizing its failure to protect freedom of speech and expression. The CLC leaders were on a fact-finding mission, a routine procedure for the organization, yet they were detained without proper justification, activists said.

Critics particularly targeted Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, accusing him of hypocrisy. They recalled his earlier promises to establish a democratic government that would uphold the rights of the people and ensure freedom of expression. The recent incident, they argued, exposed the gap between his promises and the state’s actions, as the CLC leaders were simply conducting their duty to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the recent police encounter.

The Civil Liberties Committee has historically played an important role in advocating for the marginalized and investigating incidents where police or state authorities are accused of human rights abuses. Their work often includes gathering independent facts, speaking to affected communities, and bringing to light any discrepancies in official versions of events. The detention of these leaders, while on such a mission, has raised serious concerns about the state’s attitude towards civil rights defenders and independent scrutiny.

The protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the CLC leaders are released and the government takes accountability for what they see as an attack on democratic values. The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between civil society groups and state authorities in Telangana, particularly when it comes to issues related to police encounters and human rights investigations.

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