India – CASR: NIA’S MASS NOTICES IN TELANGANA: CRIMINALISING DISSENT FOR MERE FUNERAL PARTICIPATION
We hereby share a press statement issued by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR).
NIA’S MASS NOTICES IN TELENGANA: CRIMINALISING DISSENT FOR MERE FUNERAL PARTICIPATION
The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemns the issuance of mass-level notices by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Hyderabad Branch, to more than ten activists, former student leaders, civil rights defenders, poets, writers, retired school teachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress in Telangana.
These notices pertain to FIR No. RC-04/2025, which reportedly relates to the participation of these individuals in the funeral of slain CPI (Maoist) Central Committee Member Ramachandra Reddy, who was allegedly killed in a fake encounter by security forces in Chhattisgarh last year. This sweeping action by the NIA represents yet another instance of the State weaponising draconian laws to silence democratic voices and intimidate civil society in Telangana.
Arrest of Social Activist Innaiah under UAPA
In this case, social activist Innaiah, associated with Bharat Bacchao Manch, has already been arrested under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He is known for running an orphan shelter home for children in Warangal and has long been engaged in humanitarian and social work. His arrest, along with the issuance of notices to several other activists, raises grave concerns about the misuse of anti-terror legislation to criminalise legitimate social, political, and humanitarian engagement. Such notices are issued to the persons, managing the Ashram (Orphanage) for orphan children, run by Innaiah for the last 15 years. The donors on philanthropic and humanitarian grounds to the Ashram are also being targeted with such notices to stall the noble activity with an intention to instil fear among people.
Participation in a Funeral Is Not a Crime
The fundamental question before us raises serious democratic concerns.Has attending a funeral become a criminal act? Even if the deceased was accused of being a member of a banned organisation, participation in a funeral or raising questions about the circumstances of a killing—especially when allegations of a fake encounter exist—cannot be equated with unlawful or terrorist activity.
The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly upheld the dignity of the dead and the rights of families and communities to conduct last rites with respect and dignity. In Ashray Adhikar Abhiyan v. Union of India, the Court recognised the right to a decent burial or cremation as part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. If the Supreme Court recognises the dignity and last rites even of those accused of terrorism, how can mere attendance at a funeral be construed as criminal conspiracy?
*Criminalising Dissent, Challenging the State Narrative*
The FIR appears to target individuals not merely for attending a funeral, but for questioning the State’s version of the alleged encounter killing. Raising concerns about fake encounters and demanding accountability from security forces are legitimate democratic actions. Branding such acts as criminal under the UAPA sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a chilling message that:
* Questioning encounter killings will invite prosecution.
* Expressing solidarity with grieving families will be treated as sedition or terrorism.
* Civil society activism will be equated with unlawful activity.
This mass issuance of notices is nothing but a strategy of intimidation—designed to create fear among activists, particularly those working among Adivasi, Dalit, and marginalised communities.
*A Pattern of Harassment*
The targeting of former student leaders, poets, teachers, and political activists demonstrates a widening dragnet aimed at suppressing ideological dissent. Instead of addressing serious allegations of fake encounters in Chhattisgarh, investigative agencies are now criminalising those who seek accountability. Such actions reflect an authoritarian tendency that undermines constitutional democracy. The rights to freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly, and association under Articles 19(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the Constitution cannot be nullified by branding all dissent as anti-national.
Attending a funeral is not terrorism. Questioning an encounter killing is not a crime. Demanding accountability is not sedition.The attempt to criminalise grief, solidarity, and dissent exposes the deepening crisis of democracy. CASR stands firmly with the activists of Telangana and will continue to resist the weaponisation of law against the people.
Our Demands
1. Immediate withdrawal of notices issued in FIR No. RC-04/2025.
2. Immediate release of Innaiah Reddy and all those arrested under the UAPA in this case.
3. An independent judicial inquiry into the alleged fake encounter killing of Ramachandra Reddy in Chhattisgarh.
4. An end to the misuse of the UAPA to target civil society activists.
End State Repression.
Defend Democratic Rights.
Campaign Against State Repression (CASR)
Organising Team
(AIRSO, AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, BSCEM, CEM, Collective, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya, Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Samajwadi Lok Manch, Bahujan Samajwadi Manch, United Peace Alliance, WSS, Y4S)
