*CASR STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE NIA HYDERABAD'S NOTICE TO ANTI-DISPLACEMENT ACTIVIST DAMODAR TURI*
22 February 2026-The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemns the recent actions of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Hyderabad, which issued a notice to Damodar Turi, a long-time anti-displacement activist, in connection with FIR RC-04/2025/HYDERABAD. This case, initiated two months ago, is yet another example of the state's ongoing harassment of individuals who challenge the exploitation and marginalization of indigenous communities, particularly those resisting displacement due to mining and industrialization.
Damodar Turi, a dedicated activist for over three decades, has been at the forefront of movements against the forced displacement of Adivasis and indigenous communities in Jharkhand and across India. As a founding member of the Visthapan Virodhi Jan Vikas Andolan (VVJVA), a pan-India anti-displacement organization, Damodar Turi has worked alongside other prominent human rights advocates, including Stan Swamy and BD Sharma, to raise awareness about the systematic dispossession of tribal people from their land in the name of development.
The NIA's targeting of Damodar Turi is part of a broader campaign of state repression aimed at silencing voices of dissent and resistance against militarized land acquisition and the exploitation of resource-rich areas. The allegation, tied to an incident involving the funeral of CPI Maoist leader Ramachandra Reddy—who was killed in a fake encounter by security forces—lacks legitimate basis. The state's claim that social activist Innaiah Reddy gave a speech supporting Maoist ideology at the funeral is a fabricated charge designed to discredit his long-standing work for the rights of marginalized communities.
It is critical to note that Damodar Turi was *not present* at the funeral of Ramachandra Reddy, and the issuance of this notice is a stark reflection of the mockery this legal system makes of justice. The authorities' attempts to implicate him in an event he did not attend further expose the absurdity of the charges against him. This baseless harassment is an evident attempt to silence a dedicated activist by any means necessary.
Damodar Turi has been subject to multiple FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) over the years, and has been arrested twice, enduring brutal torture by Jharkhand police. Despite this relentless harassment, including numerous interrogations and repeated notices from the NIA, Damodar has never wavered in his commitment to justice and the rights of indigenous people. His fight for social justice, the protection of land rights, and the preservation of tribal culture has been nothing short of courageous.
In response to these attacks, Damodar Turi is currently pursuing a law degree in Dhanbad, preparing himself to challenge these unjust charges in the future. This step is not only a testament to his resilience but also a reflection of his dedication to fighting the systemic criminalization of activists like him, who stand for the rights of indigenous communities.
We stand in solidarity with Damodar Turi and all those who continue to face state repression for their advocacy of social justice, land rights, and the defense of Adivasi communities. The Campaign Against State Repression calls for an immediate end to the harassment and criminalization of activists like Damodar Turi and demands the withdrawal of all false charges against him.
We will continue to resist these attempts to stifle dissent and challenge the growing militarization of indigenous territories across India.
Campaign Against State Repressionx
Organizing Team: (AIRSO, AISF, APCR, ASA, BASF, BSM, Bhim Army, bsCEM, CEM, COLLECTIVE, CRPP, CSM, CTF, DISSC, DSU, DTF, Forum Against Repression Telangana, Fraternity, IAPL, Innocence Network, Karnataka Janashakti, LAA, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, NAPM, Nazariya Magazine, Nishant Natya Manch, Nowruz, NTUI, People’s Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Samajwadi Lok Manch, Bahujan Samajwadi Manch, United Peace Alliance, WSS, Y4S).
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