On May 7, 2025, journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek was arrested by Nagpur Police in Maharashtra after allegedly posting social media content critical of Operation Sindoor, which involved Indian Army actions leading to civilian deaths in Pakistan. Police seized several books and a T-shirt and registered an FIR under sections related to waging war against the government, provocation to riot, criminal intimidation, and public mischief. Rejaz was remanded of police custody and his social media handle was withheld by authorities. The case has drawn public and media attention regarding press freedom and civil rights.

The Human Rights Defenders’ Alert (HRDA) is specifically seeking the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take suo moto cognizance of the arrest, citing Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019. HRDA requests an independent inquiry through the NHRC’s investigation wing and prompt, impartial intervention to safeguard the journalist’s rights.