Activists accuse Mumbai cops of pressuring people, raiding venues to stop Umar Khalid film screening

Activists Shrishti Khanna and Prashant Pundir have accused Mumbai police of pressuring venue owners to cancel a screening of a documentary about Umar Khalid, a former JNU student union leader who was arrested in 2020. The film, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 Is Present," is being screened in solidarity with Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are also currently incarcerated.

Khanna and Pundir alleged that the Mumbai Police raided the original venue where the screening was to be held, despite it already being cancelled due to fear. The activists claimed that police personnel were seen in civilian clothes at the venue to intimidate and ensure the screening did not take place. The second venue, as well as a third venue in Bandra, were also reportedly targeted by police, with threats and intimidation tactics employed to ensure the screening was cancelled.

The documentary, directed by Lalit Vachani, focuses on Khalid, who has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other provisions since his arrest in September 2020. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has opposed the screening of the documentary across various parts of the country, citing concerns over public exhibition of an uncertified film.