Alik Chakrabarty

Human Rights Defender

Odisha

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on 22^nd June regarding the illegal arrest of Human Rights Defender Mr. Alik Chakrabarty. Mr. Alik Chakrabarty is actively associated with different people’s movement in the state of West Bengal. He is a leader of a democratic movement against the setting up of a power grid by the Power Grid Corporation at Machhibhanga in Bhangar where over 30 villages are affected by the project. He is also the politburo member of the CPI ML- (Red Star).

The Power Grid Corporation of India, is building a power project in the Bhangar area. The state government is trying to forcefully displace about 32 villages around the site of the project. In January 2018, two villagers died in a police firing at a protest opposing the project. The villagers’ movement is spearheaded by Jomi, Jibika, Poribesh O Bastutantra Raksha Committee (Committee to protect land, livelihood, environment and ecosystem). The committee is guided by CPI-ML (Red Star) and Mr. Alik is the leader of the same.

On May 31, under the instruction from Baruipur Police, Superintendent of Police along with police personnel from the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack Police Commissioner arrested Mr. Alik Chakrabarty from Kalinga Hospital where he was undergoing treatment. He has been charged under the provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act and also charged for murder and arson. All the charges seem to be fabricated against him for his involvement in different people’s movement in West Bengal and particularly in the Bhangar forceful displacement.

HRDA pleads before the honourable commission to Order an immediate, independent, thorough, transparent, effective and impartial investigation into the above-mentioned incident of the false arrest of Mr. Alik Chakrabarty.