Representational.
Panaji: Goa Police subjected at least two protesters, who participated in a July 24 demonstration at Mapusa supporting the Jantar Mantar protests against examination paper leaks, to an extensive inquiry that included a 240-question questionnaire probing their political affiliations, protest activities, and support for jailed activist Umar Khalid, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The questioning followed a complaint filed by a local group, Citizens of Mapusa. One protester was summoned on Sunday and another on Monday, days after police had detained a man at Panaji’s Azad Maidan for carrying a “Free Umar Khalid” placard.
The questionnaire reportedly sought detailed information on the protest’s organisers, funding, messaging, travel arrangements, participation in WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal groups, links to political parties, NGOs, student organisations or activist groups, and even whether protesters had criticised the government during their speeches. Participants were also asked if they had deleted electronic evidence related to the protest and whether they would hand over their mobile phones for examination.
A significant portion of the questionnaire focused on Umar Khalid, asking protesters about their knowledge of his background, whether they raised slogans demanding his release, how often they did so, whether others repeated the slogans, and who financed banners and placards carrying the message.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Harishchandra Madkaikar confirmed that the questioning was conducted as part of an inquiry initiated on the basis of the complaint, saying police continued asking questions until they were satisfied with the responses.
The developments came after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant criticised the display of “Free Umar Khalid” placards at protests against examination paper leaks, accusing participants of introducing an unrelated issue into the agitation and warning that police would act against those attempting to spread what he described as anti-national sentiments and disturb communal harmony.