Hathras Congress Chief Alleges Police Placed Him Under House Arrest After Delhi Return

After returning from Delhi, Hathras District Congress Committee president Vivek Upadhyay alleged that Sasni Kotwali police had placed him under house arrest. He questioned the action and asked the Superintendent of Police, Hathras, why he was being stopped at home after returning from Delhi.

According to Vivek Upadhyay, he had returned to his residence last night after staying in Delhi for three days. He alleged that at around six in the morning on Friday, Sasni Kotwali police reached his residence and stopped him from leaving the house.

Vivek Upadhyay questioned the purpose of the action, saying that he had already returned from Delhi and asked why there was a need to place him under house arrest now. He said that while in Delhi, he had already been arrested at Hauz Khas police station along with Congress MP and Uttar Pradesh Congress working president Imran Masood.

He asked why he was being stopped inside his home after coming back to Hathras, despite having already faced arrest in Delhi. He questioned the basis of the police action and sought an explanation from the Superintendent of Police, Hathras.

The Congress district president also referred to his private, family and social responsibilities. He said that he, too, needed to travel outside his home for important work. He questioned whether it was justified for the police to reach his residence and stop him without explaining the reason.

Vivek Upadhyay further asked whether, simply because he was a leader of the Opposition, he would have to compromise with his normal routine and personal freedom. He said that his responsibilities required him to move outside his home when necessary.

He also said that peaceful protest is the Opposition’s right in a democracy. If the police administration had any objection or needed to take any action, he said, it should proceed according to the law and clearly state the basis for that action.

Vivek Upadhyay said that the justification for stopping a person at his home should also be made clear. He demanded that the Superintendent of Police, Hathras, take immediate notice of the matter and clarify under which order and on what basis he had been placed under house arrest after returning from Delhi.

He said that asking questions and holding peaceful protests are not crimes in a democracy. According to him, the police administration must follow the law and ensure respect for the rights of citizens.