Shiv Kumar

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

Country(ies) of nationality

Type of HRD

HRD's thematic area of engagement

Organization affiliation

HRD's bio and work: Prominent labour rights defender from the Dalit community and a member of the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan (MAS), an organisation advocating for the rights of contract workers in Haryana State.

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

Location of detention - City/Town: Special Cell Unit Office, New Friends Colony, Delhi

Location of detention - Facility: Special Cell Unit Office, New Friends Colony, Delhi

Geolocation of detention

Latitude: 28.57367926060981

Longitude: 77.27254030822127

Charge(s)

Recent case update / evolution: After the abduction of the activist, an Habeous Corpus petition has been filed before the High Court of Delhi. The Court has ordered a detailed enquiry into the torture and illegal detention. The court is awaiting reports from the Concerned Police. On 16 April 2026, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) issued a notice for questioning to Shiv Kumar in connection with the so-called “Lucknow Conspiracy Case” (FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow), formally naming him in the proceedings and exposing him to an imminent risk of arrest.

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment: Shiv Kumar was subjected to brutal assault by the police using leather belts, he was interrogated about his laptop. When Shiv Kumar replied that he does not know how to operate a laptop he was turned upside down and hanged in that position for about 3 hours. Then he was beaten with leather belts. His father has been contacted and threatened, stating that Shiv Kumar and his brother Sagar will be arrested by the Police. Shiv Kumar reported that “they forced me to strip naked, forced me to open my legs and hit me with my own belt on my private part”.

Any other relevant documents: https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/india-harassment-against-labour-rights-defender-shiv-kumar

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