Advocate Wahid Shaikh

Founding member of ‘Innocence Network’

Maharashta

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on 22 April, 2019 regarding the harassment and intimidation of Advocate Wahid Shaikh.

On 23 February 2019, two policemen namely Awhad, Sub Inspector and Mr. Shivaji, Hawaldar of (DCB-CID) Unit VII, Ghatkopar Branch, Mumbai came to Advocate Shaikh’s house and questioned him on irrelevant issues asking about his future plans after obtaining a law degree and views on ban on the Student Islamic Movement of India organisation (SIMI). They commented that he has resigned from his teaching job and is indulging in other activities, to which Adv.. Shaikh replied that his teaching job is still continuing.

Adv. Shaikh gave a written complaint to the Police Commissioner of Mumbai on the same date, requesting the Police Commissioner to take stern action against harassment by policemen without any reason. However, he received no response. Around three weeks prior to this, another policeman Havaldar Vilas More of the same police unit visited his house on flimsy and absurd reason of asking him for a copy of the judgement related to 7/11 Mumbai Train Blast Case in which he was acquitted. In January 2017 also policemen were making frequent visits to his house and that of neighbours to question him on his activities and whereabouts. It has triggered undue harassment, stress and pain to Adv. Shaikh and his family members. This is abuse of power by the police amounting to criminal intimidation, an offence under Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and infringement of right to life encompassing right to live with dignity, thereby infringing fundamental rights of Adv Shaikh.

HRDA has prayed for immediate and transparent investigation against police officials misusing their powers along with an apology and compensation to Adv. Shaikh.