A group of 101 prominent citizens has voiced profound concern and vehement protest over the recent late-night raid conducted at the private residence of a senior police official in the capital's Khilkhet area, which resulted in the arrest and summary sentencing of 85 individuals, including 26 women. In a joint statement sent to the media, these distinguished personalities demanded the immediate release of those detained, a thorough and independent judicial inquiry into the incident, and strict accountability for those who violated standard legal procedures. They emphasized that such actions represent a severe infringement upon citizens' fundamental rights, personal privacy, and social dignity.
The signatories pointed out with grave concern that the individuals arrested during the intelligence branch operation were denied the basic right to consult with legal counsel, constituting a direct violation of constitutional and human rights safeguards. They raised critical questions regarding who authorized the raid, what the actual objective was, and under what legal framework the operation was executed. Furthermore, the summary sentencing—imposing 30 days of imprisonment for men and 15 days for women—lacked any transparent presentation of credible evidence or specific charges, leaving the legitimacy of the judicial process highly questionable.
Criticizing the nature and media handling of the raid, the statement highlighted that law enforcement agencies frequently stage operations under the guise of anti-narcotics drives accompanied by media cameras, utterly disregarding the privacy and dignity of individuals present at private gatherings. Broadcasting identities and branding individuals as drug abusers before any formal trial or legal conviction runs counter to the foundational principles of justice and the rule of law. Such tactics foster an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among ordinary citizens, undermining public trust in state institutions.
The civil society representatives underscored that utilizing state power and law enforcement authority to conduct intrusive raids on private premises without adhering to due process is entirely unacceptable. They reiterated that an impartial investigation is imperative to uncover the true motivations behind this incident and to hold every wrongdoer accountable, regardless of their official rank or position.
Concluding their appeal, the eminent citizens urged the relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens' constitutional rights to privacy and personal liberty. They warned that any recurrence of such high-handed enforcement tactics would be met with stronger civic resistance and demanded immediate administrative measures to curb the growing trend of unauthorized moral policing by law enforcement personnel.
