HRD Alert - India, a human rights defenders' forum, expresses grave concern over the abduction and illegal detention of Mr. Manish Sharma, a prominent HRD in Varanasi, UP. The Anti-Terrorism Squad of UP police reportedly violated due legal procedures and threatened to frame him in terrorist cases if he continued participating in peaceful democratic movements.

On May 7, 2023, in Varanasi, human rights defender Mr. Manish Sharma was abducted by 8-10 plainclothesmen, identified as Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) members of UP Police. The incident occurred near the Court, lacking proper legal procedures or warrants. Mr. Sharma faced 6 hours of mental harassment at the ATS office, where he was questioned about his involvement in democratic movements and threatened with terrorism charges if he continued. Local activists protested, and news spread on social media. Mr. Sharma was released around 10:30 pm but asked to return the next day. On May 16, at 11 am, he voluntarily went to the ATS office, facing further threats to distance himself from ongoing movements.

The abduction violated DK Basu Guidelines, including identification of arresting officers, informing family or friends, recording details, and allowing legal representation during interrogation. The ATS's threat to implicate Mr. Sharma in fake terrorism cases constitutes a serious legal violation.

HRDA appeals NHRC to conduct impartial inquiry into the kidnapping of HRD and to protect the HRD from further harassment.