Tushar Gandhi alleges detention while enroute to commemorate Quit India Movement anniversary
PTC Web Desk: Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, on Wednesday claimed that he had been detained by the Santacruz police when he was on his way to participate in the commemoration of Quit India Day at August Kranti Maidan in South Mumbai.
For the first time in history of Indipendent India I have been detained at Santa Cruz Police Station as I left home to commemorate 9th August Quit India Day. I am proud My Great Grandparents Bapu and Ba had also been arrested by the British Police on the historic date.
— Tushar GANDHI (@TusharG) August 9, 2023
At the same time, activist Teesta Setalvad claimed that she was also prevented from leaving her residence. However, senior officials from the Mumbai police have denied these allegations.
Police state in Maharashtra! A contingent of twenty cops stand outside my home in Juhu preventing
Me from participating in GG Parilhs morcha pic.twitter.com/4cBkgjegyJ — Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) August 9, 2023
Following this, a press release was issued by a collective of activists who took part in the commemorative event, claiming that freedom fighter Dr. G G Parikh was hindered from reaching the August Kranti Maidan.
The press release read, "Marking the 81st Anniversary of the historic QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT, led by Mahatma Gandhi, we have witnessed a forceful crackdown initiated by the governing BJP administration in Maharashtra. Our revered Freedom Fighters have been commemorating this significant day in our struggle for independence since 1943. Dr. G. G. Parikh, who was a young student when he actively participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and continues to lead this procession even at the remarkable age of 99, is profoundly disheartened by this bewildering series of occurrences."
According to the activists, around 50 individuals were apprehended at the D B Marg Police station.
In response to their accusation, a high-ranking police official countered, stating, "No one has been held in custody. Our intention was to validate certain aspects of the event, and if the proceedings adhere to proper protocols, we have no objections."
- With inputs from agencies
