On March 11, 2023, journalist Mr. Sanjay Rana was illegally arrested in Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh, by police officers, including Constable Kunal Singh, after questioning the Minister of Secondary Education, Mrs. Gulab Devi, during a public meeting. The arrest followed fabricated charges filed by a BJP youth wing leader, alleging disruption of government work and assault.

The arrest of Mr. Rana involved multiple violations, including the lack of an arrest memo, failure to inform his family, physical assault during arrest, and detention without due process. These actions clearly contravene the DK Basu Guidelines of Arrest and Detention, as directed by the Supreme Court. The incident represents a threat to freedom of expression, a fundamental right protected by the Indian Constitution.

The HRDA urges the NHRC to:

1. Direct the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to dismiss false charges against journalist Mr. Sanjay Rana within two weeks
2. Ensure the physical security of Mr. Rana and his family, protecting them from further harassment by police and other non-state actors, with a report due in four weeks.
3. Initiate an immediate, independent, thorough, transparent, and impartial inquiry into the illegal arrest and assault of Mr. Sanjay Rana by Kotwali police station personnel, submitting a report within two weeks
4. Based on the inquiry results, take swift and stringent action against Constable Kunal Singh and other involved police officers, reporting within two weeks.
5. Direct the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to provide a compensation of Rs. 5 Lakh for the physical and emotional torture endured by journalist Mr. Sanjay Rana.