Exclusive | Did you shout ‘Free Umar Khalid’ slogan?: Goa Police’s 240-point quiz sheet
Goa Police have subjected activists to an extensive 240-point questionnaire following a protest in support of Umar Khalid. The interrogation included detailed inquiries about protest financing, slogans used, and organizational affiliations.
Why it matters
The use of exhaustive police questionnaires against protesters raises significant concerns regarding civil liberties and the right to dissent in India.
At least two activists, who joined a protest in Goa's Mapusa on July 24 to express solidarity with the NEET paper leak protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, were asked by the Goa police to fill a questionnaire with questions such as "What is your understanding of the words 'Free Umar Khalid'.?"; "Did you criticise any government authority during your address?"; and "Who financed the protest?", The Indian Express has learnt. On Saturday evening, the day after the protest, the Goa police had detained a man for allegedly carrying a "Free Umar Khalid" placard at a gathering in Panaji’s Azad Maidan. Now, The Indian Express has learnt that at least two protesters were summoned – one on Sunday and the other on Monday – and questioned by the police, based on an "application" submitted by a local group called 'Citizens of Mapusa'.
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