'Stop Criminalising Protests': CPI(M) Criticises Govt After Cops Name Prominent Leaders As 'Co-Conspirators' In Delhi Riots

Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday alleged that "BJP-RSS has gone about to portray Delhi riots being a 'deep-rooted conspiracy' by anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters."

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday slammed the Central government for naming prominent personalities including CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav, economist Jayati Ghosh and Delhi University professor Apoorvanand as 'co-conspirators' in a supplementary charge sheet filed in connection with communal violence which broke out in North East Delhi in February to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

In an official statement issued today, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) protested against the move saying, "CPI(M) condemns this obnoxious action by the Delhi Police to further the narrative of its political masters and urges the government to desist from such acts of criminalising peaceful political protests."

The party in its long issued statement alleged that "BJP-RSS has gone about to portray Delhi riots being a 'deep-rooted conspiracy' by anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters."

Referring to the names of the leaders emerged in the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Delhi police for FIR 50/20 in connection with the alleged role in motivating anti-CAA-NRC protesters, the party said, "This is in line with the growing pattern of the most blatant abuse of the Police and other central agencies like CBI, NIA, ED to frame prominent opponents and demonise them."

"The pattern includes slapping of provisions of draconian NSA, UAPA and Sedition Act to harass and incarcerate those who vigorously oppose such blatant misuse of powers by the government contrary to that as ordained by the Constitution."

The political party also urged the government to release the political prisoners who are incarcerating in cases under trumped up charges.

Earlier today, Yechury lashed out at the central government after being named in the case. "Delhi Police is under the Centre and Home Ministry. Its illegitimate, illegal actions are a direct outcome of the politics of BJP's top leadership. They are scared of legitimate peaceful protests by mainstream political parties and are misusing state power to target the opposition."

Unprecedented riots ripped across North-East Delhi on February 24 after clashes between CAA supporters and protesters spiraled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and around 200 injured.