The fabricated charges, filed on December 27, 2022, under various sections of the IPC, including assault and criminal intimidation, indicate a reprisal by the Azamgarh police against the ongoing peaceful protest. Shockingly, renowned HRDs, such as Magsaysay award winner Sandeep Pandey, face serious charges without any apparent basis. Moreover, no action has been taken regarding the complaint of kidnapping or police misbehavior during the protest.

HRD Alert - India expresses deep concern over the fabrication of FIRs by the Azamgarh police against well-known HRDs, including Sandeep Pandey and Rajeev Yadav. The charges stem from their participation in a peaceful mass protest against the illegal acquisition of farmers' land in Khiriya Bagh, Azamgarh. Additionally, the Azamgarh police have failed to address the misbehavior of policemen with women protestors and the abduction of Mr. Rajeev Yadav.

The fabricated charges violate the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, guaranteed by Article 19(b) of the Indian Constitution and the Human Rights Council resolution 15/21. The incident also contradicts the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, emphasizing protection against violence, threats, or any arbitrary action resulting from the legitimate exercise of rights.

HRDA urgently appeals to the NHRC to direct the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh to quash the fabricated FIR against all peaceful protestors and submit a written report to the NHRC within two weeks. Furthermore, an impartial inquiry is requested into the inaction regarding the abduction of Mr. Rajeev Yadav and the misconduct of policemen, with a report due in two weeks. Depending on the inquiry, strict action against police officials involved in filing the fabricated FIR is urged. Finally, th HRDA is urged to ensure no further harassment of the protestors at Khiriya Bagh movement by the Uttar Pradesh police.