Dalit Rights Advocate Rajat Kalsan in 14-Day Custody Over Alleged Police Assault

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Rajat Kalsan, a Dalit rights lawyer and activist, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in Hisar, Haryana, following allegations of assaulting a police team. Two other individuals, Deepak Saini and Pravesh, were also taken into custody in connection with the same incident. The arrest has sparked concern among human rights groups and Kalsan’s supporters, who claim that proper legal procedures were not followed.

According to police accounts, the altercation occurred at Hisar’s auto market. Reports allege that the three individuals were intoxicated when the incident took place. Kalsan was reportedly on a one-day police remand when the others were detained. All three were produced before the court on Saturday, where a bail application was filed. The court has requested a police response and set the bail hearing for Monday.

Supporters of Kalsan have accused authorities of mishandling the arrest, alleging that he was detained in a “kidnapping-style” manner and denied prompt legal access. Complaints regarding these claims have been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).

The sequence of events began last Thursday, when Narnaund police arrested Kalsan in a separate case filed six months ago. That earlier FIR was related to a social media post in which Kalsan allegedly expressed support for an individual accused in a murder case in Budana village. He was granted bail in that matter by a Hansi court. However, soon after his release, Hisar police took him into custody again in connection with the new case.

The latest FIR was lodged at the City Police Station, based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Ravikant of Hansi’s special staff. The charges are non-bailable. Police officials also confirmed that Kalsan’s name is mentioned in the earlier FIR registered at Narnaund Police Station.

Kalsan is known for his work advocating for Scheduled Caste rights and has been involved in several high-profile legal cases. Authorities maintain that the arrest and charges are based on evidence and formal complaints. The outcome of Monday’s bail hearing will determine whether the accused will remain in custody as the investigation continues.