Khari River Construction: NGT Orders Police Protection for Threatened Petitioner
The National Green Tribunal directs Agra Police to protect a petitioner after he alleged threats from builders over Khari River floodplain construction.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in to ensure the safety of an environmental activist and his family after allegations surfaced that builders attempted to bribe and intimidate him into dropping a legal challenge against Khari River floodplain construction.
Threats and Bribery Allegations
The petitioner, Devashish Bhattacharya, had approached the tribunal to raise alarms over illegal permanent constructions being carried out on the floodplains of the Khari River in Uttar Pradesh. However, the legal battle took a dangerous turn when Bhattacharya alleged that he was targeted for his activism.
According to the application filed with the tribunal, three individuals claiming to be contractors or builders involved in the construction projects visited Bhattacharya's clinic-cum-residence on October 13. During this encounter, the petitioner claims the men offered him money to withdraw his plea. When he refused the bribe, the interaction allegedly turned threatening, leaving him deeply concerned for his personal safety and that of his family.
Impact on Family and Evidence Provided
The atmosphere of fear has reportedly disrupted the daily lives of the petitioner's family. In his submission, Bhattacharya stated that his wife, who works as a primary school teacher, has been unable to attend school due to the threats. He also specifically sought protection for his daughter.
To substantiate his claims, the petitioner provided the tribunal with a video recording of the conversation that took place during the October 13 visit, along with a detailed English transcript of the encounter.
The Tribunal's Directive
Hearing the matter on October 16, a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad took immediate note of the gravity of the situation. Recognizing the sensitivity of the environmental dispute, the tribunal directed the Commissioner of Police in Agra to provide full security and protection to the petitioner and two of his family members.
This interim protection is subject to the petitioner filing a formal application for police protection. Furthermore, the tribunal has allowed the Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Commissioner of Agra to be added as additional respondents in the ongoing proceedings.
Timeline of the Legal Battle
- August 21: The NGT initially issued a notice regarding the construction and ordered authorities to ensure no illegal structures were built along the river.
- October 13: Alleged visit by contractors and builders to the petitioner's residence.
- October 14: Petitioner informs the District Magistrate, Commissioner of Police, and Divisional Commissioner of Agra via email.
- October 16: NGT directs Agra Police to provide security to the petitioner.
The counsel representing the Uttar Pradesh government did not oppose the addition of the police and divisional commissioners to the case. The state's counsel has requested four weeks to file a formal reply regarding the police protection request. The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for November 5.