In January 2018, a series of arrests targeting workers, trade unionists, activists, journalists, lawyers, intellectuals, and artists began in India. These arrests mark an onslaught on the voices of dissent and democracy that are resisting the current government’s majoritarian, regressive politics of right wing Hindu nationalism. Sixteen people (the BK16) have been arrested for inciting violence at the bi-centennial commemoration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, held at Pune on January 1, 2018. This while the real perpetrators of the incident – members of a Hindu right wing group, roam free with impunity. Further allegations against the BK16 is of being active members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a banned political party in India.
The BK16 have been arrested under a draconian anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). All but two of them – one passed away awaiting trial, and the other who is still in jail – were imprisoned as undertrial prisoners for a very lengthy period, before being released on strict bail conditions. Their case has been ongoing for eight years, without a trial. The common thread that brings these individuals together is their committed efforts to bring forth the voices and causes of marginalised and oppressed people in different parts of the country.
This website seeks to document the case, and provide updates.