Report on Threats and Retaliation Against a Human Rights Defender



Background

On 13 April 2025, Mr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder of the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and a prominent human rights defender, submitted a formal complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking urgent intervention against an alleged pattern of retaliation by local police officials in Varanasi. The complaint is linked to his role in pursuing NHRC Case No. 16984/24/72/2024-WC, which concerns allegations of brutal sexual violence by a police constable against a woman NGO worker. The communication follows an earlier complaint dated 2 February 2025 (Diary No. 2290/IN/2025), indicating that the threats are ongoing rather than isolated.

Alleged Pattern of Retaliation

According to the complaint, harassment intensified after the NHRC initiated action in the sexual violence case, including seeking departmental proceedings and recommending compensation for the survivor. The accused constable is reportedly posted at Lalpur-Pandeypur Police Station, where the FIR was lodged. Following Mr. Raghuvanshi’s support to the survivor, he alleges that fabricated charges were filed against him, including Case No. 616/2025 under Section 130 BNSS, suggesting misuse of legal provisions to deter his advocacy.

This sequence indicates a possible retaliatory response aimed at discouraging accountability efforts in a sensitive case involving state actors.

Physical Assault and Procedural Concerns

The complaint details an incident on the night of 9 March 2025, when Mr. Raghuvanshi was allegedly assaulted from behind at a public establishment in Varanasi, resulting in injuries to his leg and face. He reportedly contacted emergency services twice shortly after midnight and also attempted to reach the Police Commissioner earlier that evening.

Despite these calls, a First Information Report (FIR No. 0069/2025) was allegedly filed against him at 1:21 AM on 10 March, without referencing his distress calls or version of events. If accurate, such omission raises serious procedural concerns and may undermine principles of natural justice.

Intimidation and Property-Related Pressure

On 11 March 2025, Mr. Raghuvanshi states he was summoned to the Paharia Police Outpost regarding a property petition. During the visit, he learned that an FIR had been filed against him and perceived the interaction as an attempt to pressure him into silence regarding both the assault and an alleged conspiracy involving his ancestral property.

The complaint suggests that legal processes may have been used as instruments of intimidation rather than protection.

Defamation and Reputational Harm

A news article published on 13 March 2025 reportedly portrayed Mr. Raghuvanshi in a defamatory manner, which he describes as part of a coordinated campaign to damage his credibility as a human rights activist. He further links this to earlier incidents of violence and intimidation, suggesting a recurring pattern rather than a single episode.

Reputational attacks are widely recognized as a common tactic used to weaken the legitimacy of human rights defenders.

Additional Allegations of Misuse of Authority

The complaint also cites:

  • False implication in an incident dated 11 January 2025, despite alleged CCTV and location evidence.

  • A fabricated police diary entry claiming a meeting that did not occur.

  • Pressure to “settle” the matter despite visible injuries.

Collectively, these claims point toward a broader environment of coercion that may restrict the defender’s ability to carry out legitimate human rights work.

Indications of Institutional Pattern

Mr. Raghuvanshi argues that the current threats reflect a longer trajectory of institutional neglect, referencing earlier family tragedies and alleged disregard of his own injury complaints in December 2024. While these claims require independent verification, they contribute to the perception of systemic retaliation linked to his advocacy.

International standards, including the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, emphasize that individuals who expose state abuse must be protected from reprisals.

Human Rights Analysis

The allegations raise several critical concerns:

1. Risk to Human Rights Defenders:
Retaliation against individuals advocating for survivors of sexual violence can create a chilling effect, discouraging others from reporting abuses.

2. Abuse of Legal Processes:
The filing of allegedly fabricated cases, if proven, would represent a misuse of criminal law to silence dissent.

3. Procedural Integrity:
Failure to record emergency calls or consider the defender’s account may undermine due process.

4. Democratic Accountability:
When defenders face threats, the broader system of rights protection is weakened, as civil society plays a vital role in exposing violations.

Requests Submitted to the NHRC

The complaint urges the Commission to:

  • Take cognizance of the alleged retaliation linked to NHRC Case No. 16984/24/72/2024-WC.

  • Order an independent inquiry into Case No. 616/2025 and examine the conduct of the concerned police officer.

  • Provide immediate protection to the defender and his family.

  • Initiate disciplinary or legal action against officials responsible for false charges.

  • Continue monitoring the sexual violence case to ensure accountability and justice for the survivor.

The complaint presents serious allegations suggesting retaliation against a human rights defender for pursuing accountability in a case involving sexual violence by a state actor. Such claims, if substantiated through independent investigation, would raise profound concerns regarding defender safety, institutional neutrality, and the rule of law.

Protecting human rights defenders is not only a legal obligation but also a democratic imperative. Ensuring their safety enables victims to seek justice without fear and strengthens public trust in oversight institutions. Timely and impartial intervention by competent authorities will be essential to uphold constitutional protections and reaffirm the principle that those who defend rights must themselves be protected.


 

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