NHRC notices to US Nagar administration on alleged human rights violations during ‘I Love Mohammad’ episode at Kashipur

NHRC notices to US Nagar administration on alleged human rights violations during ‘I Love Mohammad’ episode at Kashipur

Kashipur, April 13

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued orders to the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Udham Singh Nagar to take necessary action regarding the alleged illegal harassment and violation of human rights in the Alikhan and Thana Sabik areas of Kashipur town following a ‘I love Mohammad’ procession by some youth on September 26, 2025. They are required to submit an action report within four weeks.

The incident reportedly escalated following a video of an alleged assault on a policeman ear the Bansphoran police post on September 26, 2025, which led to the targeting of the entire Alikhan and Thana Sabik area by the police.

The complaint was filed online by RTI activist and social worker Nadeem Uddin (Advocate). According to the email sent by Deputy Registrar (Law) Sparsh Agrawal on April 9, 2026, the report highlights several grievances:

• Mass Detention: Approximately 20,000 residents were allegedly kept under illegal house arrest following a march titled “I Love Mohammed”.
• Arbitrary Arrests: Innocent children, shopkeepers, and passersby were reportedly taken into custody, beaten, and denied legal aid.
• Police Harassment: People were allegedly picked up from their homes based on photos from political posters or CCTV footage of the march. If a target was not found, their close relatives were taken instead.
• Conditions of Custody: Those detained were reportedly kept without food or water for up to five days and were barred from meeting family members or lawyers.
• Unannounced Curfew: An unannounced curfew was imposed from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, with the main Alikhan road barricaded and shops forced to close.
• Municipal Action: The Municipal Corporation allegedly used bulldozers to demolish drains and steps without prior notice, creating unsanitary conditions and making it difficult for women and children to leave their homes.
• Surveillance: Door-to-door inspections were conducted by teams of 10–12 people, and checks were performed on smart electricity meters and ration cards.