The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has issued an urgent appeal regarding the intensifying harassment of Mr. Shiv Kumar, a prominent labour rights activist from the Dalit community. Mr. Kumar serves as a member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan (MAS), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of contract workers in Haryana State.
Escalating Surveillance and Home Searches
According to new information received by the Observatory, security forces have significantly increased their pressure on Mr. Kumar and his family. On 8 October 2026, at approximately 11 pm, around ten armed officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Haryana Police visited Mr. Kumar’s residence in Devru village, Sonipat district. The officers, some in plain clothes and others in uniform, conducted a search of the home and surrounding area. They also inspected the mobile phones of Mr. Kumar’s family members without legal justification.
Further incidents of intimidation were reported shortly thereafter. On 11 October 2026, an unmarked vehicle was observed following Mr. Kumar’s brother, Mr. Sagar Kumar, as he departed for work. Additionally, on 10 October 2026, police officers visited a shop near Mr. Kumar’s workplace, while NIA officials distributed photographs of Mr. Kumar and his colleague Manjeet to individuals in the vicinity of the MAS office, making inquiries about them.
Previous Intimidation and Legal Harassment
These recent actions follow a prior visit by NIA officials to Mr. Kumar’s home on 25 September 2026. Although Mr. Kumar was absent, the officers questioned and intimidated his father and brother without presenting a warrant or prior notice. Reports indicate that the officers took his father’s mobile phone, accessed its contents without consent, and subsequently returned it. Following this encounter, the landlord of the MAS premises reportedly threatened to evict Mr. Kumar and his colleagues after officials questioned him over the rental agreement with labor activists.
The Observatory highlights that Mr. Kumar has been summoned by the NIA since 16 April 2026 in connection with the so-called “Lucknow Conspiracy Case.” Initiated in September 2023 to investigate alleged Maoist activities, this case has been used to target human rights defenders, students, and lawyers across multiple Indian states. Mr. Kumar faces a heightened risk of arbitrary arrest due to these proceedings.
History of Detention and Torture
Mr. Kumar has previously suffered arbitrary detention and torture. On 12 March 2026, Delhi Police Special Cell officers detained him for approximately 60 hours without a warrant. He was subjected to ill-treatment while being questioned about other activists linked to the Lucknow case. He was released only after his father filed a habeas corpus petition before the Delhi High Court. Furthermore, judicial inquiries confirmed that Mr. Kumar was illegally detained and tortured by Haryana Police during farmers’ protests in January 2021.
The Observatory calls on Indian authorities to immediately cease all acts of harassment, guarantee the physical integrity of Mr. Kumar and his family, and ensure that the Lucknow Conspiracy Case proceedings adhere to international human rights standards.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
