Activist V.K. Tripathi stopped in Mumbai while distributing pamphlets on Gaza solidarity
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Mumbai: Former IIT professor and activist V.K. Tripathi was stopped by Maharashtra Police in Dharavi on Saturday while distributing pamphlets carrying messages of non-violence and solidarity with Gaza.
According to reports, a group of 22 police personnel intercepted him at Dharavi’s T-junction, seized his bundle of leaflets, and told him he could not distribute them without prior permission. Tripathi was later taken to the local police station, reported Mumbai Mirror.
Senior Inspector Raju Bidkar said, “He was not detained. We only wanted to explain to him that he cannot hand out pamphlets on sensitive issues. It might not be a nuisance in itself, but it can spark arguments or even clashes if someone opposes the idea. Mr Tripathi is a senior citizen, he was alone, and it was risky. Without orders, we cannot allow such activity.”
Tripathi, known for his campaigns against communal hate through dialogue and pamphleteering, has previously held fasts at Rajghat and travelled to various cities urging people to speak up for peace.
“I am not blaming or speaking ill of any community. I hold both Hamas and Israel equally responsible for the violence. My concern is how humanity is suffering on both sides. Neither my words nor the pamphlet singled out any religion or group. It was shocking that I was stopped from distributing them,” he told Mumbai Mirror.
He said he was asked to remain at the police station for nearly an hour before being released with a written notice. After he left, police personnel reportedly followed him on a motorcycle.
Expressing disappointment, Tripathi said, “I am disappointed, not because I came all the way from Delhi and was stopped from doing what I set out to do, but because a person is not allowed to express himself even when doing so mildly and peacefully. I fail to understand what was wrong. There was nothing dangerous or controversial in what I was saying, nor in the leaflets … they were meant for everyone. None of the people I approached had any objection or anger; it was only the police who intervened. Still, I have no regrets, no qualms. I will continue to do what I have to.”