Puducherry: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor Saurav Das on Wednesday alleged that Puducherry police visited his family's residence and subjected them to questioning in an act of "intimidation" that he said was carried out at the "behest of the Union government". The police, however, described the visit as a routine security exercise and denied any harassment.
Allegation and social media post
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Das said the police turned up at his family's home and conducted what he called extensive questioning. He asked who had ordered the visit and for what purpose, and suggested the action was aimed at silencing him.
"Two hours ago, the Pondicherry Police showed up at my family's home and subjected them to all kinds of questioning. Why this harassment, @PuducheryPolice? Who ordered this and for what purpose? Is this the legal procedure?"
Das also linked the incident to a recent visit by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Puducherry, asking whether any intimidation tactic was planned during Mr Shah's meetings with the Union Territory's Home Minister and Lieutenant Governor. He said the move would not deter his political activities, adding that it strengthened his resolve to work for a system "where the police uphold the law instead of acting like goondas."
Police response
A senior Puducherry police official confirmed officers had visited relatives of Das but rejected suggestions of harassment or intimidation. The official said the visit formed part of routine security checks carried out ahead of important days such as Independence Day, when people living near sensitive routes or venues are asked a few questions as a precaution.
The police statement characterised the exercise as procedural and denied any selective or punitive intent. The official asked the public to note that such checks are common practice and are not targeted at any individual for political reasons.
Political context
The exchange comes amid heightened sensitivities in the Union Territory following high-profile visits by central leaders. Das explicitly referenced the recent meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Puducherry Home Minister and the Lieutenant Governor in his social media posts, questioning whether the visit was connected to his family's questioning.
Das's allegation — that the action was at the "behest of the Union government" — directly links a routine security claim by police to a political narrative. Police maintain that such checks are carried out for public safety and do not constitute intimidation.
What both sides say
- Saurav Das (CJP): Police subjected his family to questioning; action appears aimed at intimidating him into silence and was done at the behest of the Union government.
- Puducherry police: Confirmed officers visited but said it was a routine security exercise ahead of important days; denied harassment or intimidation.
| Claim | Das / CJP | Puducherry police |
|---|---|---|
| Why police visited family | To intimidate at behest of Union government | Routine security check ahead of important events |
| Nature of questioning | Harassment and intimidation | Standard, limited questioning of residents |
| Connection to recent central visit | Implied coordination with Amit Shah's visit | No comment linking action to central visit; security exercise |
Implications and next steps
The incident raises familiar tensions between political actors and security agencies in the run-up to high-profile visits and national observances. Das has publicly framed the police action as politically motivated; the police have reiterated established procedures for securing sensitive areas and events. There was no independent confirmation in the police statement that any further action was taken beyond the visit and questioning.
At present, neither Das nor the police have signalled plans to file formal complaints or to seek a probe. Observers say such disputes often become matters for political parties and the administration to resolve. In this instance, the differing accounts underline the need for clear, transparent communication from law enforcement when allegations of targeted action are raised.
WE NEWS will seek further comment from the Puducherry administration and CJP representatives if they provide additional statements.
