Why is Mumbai police asking students for live location?

Mumbai police are using various tactics to prevent students and protestors from joining demonstrations.

Mumbai Police is employing various tactics to prevent students and protesters from joining the movement. Surprisingly, several students are under surveillance by the Mumbai Police.

According to a report by The Scroll, after the police action during the Parliament march in Delhi on July 20, Preeti Kamble, a 12th-grade student, reached Shivaji Park. Preeti stated that she came to show solidarity with her friends, one of whom is preparing for NEET. That friend's family has invested all their savings in her education.

However, Preeti was detained by the police before reaching the protest site. She was taken to Kalachowki Police Station, where some personal information was recorded, and she was later released. The next day, she was summoned again by Amboli Police Station and given a notice under various sections. Preeti alleged that if her mother had not intervened, the police might have used force.

Besides Preeti, several other students and protesters have also complained about police action. Some received notices on WhatsApp, while others were repeatedly called to the police station. Many students were asked to share their live GPS location, and police pressure increased at some of their homes. According to the police, since July 16, 1,400 people have been detained for participating in various protests. A senior officer stated that protesting is a right, but it is essential to follow the law and maintain public order.

Writer Rohan Shelar alleged that

the police misbehaved with him during detention. Even after release, the police are continuously demanding his live location.

Student Nandini Gautam reported that

a police officer advised her to stay home and threatened to pick her up if she refused.

Protester Annapurna Soni also mentioned being detained without participating in any protest. She claims that this police action is to intimidate people, but she will not back down.

Human rights lawyers and legal aid advocates have also raised questions on this matter. They argue that

detaining people without a warrant, not allowing them to meet lawyers, and demanding GPS location is a violation of civil rights.

Nevertheless, many students have made it clear that they will continue to fight for their rights. Sanchi Bhovar, a student preparing for NEET, said she is demanding a better education system and accountability. According to her, if students are merely demanding a better system, why is there police action against them? This is a significant question.