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Lingaraj Azad

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

Country(ies) of nationality

Type of HRD

HRD's thematic area of engagement

Organization affiliation

HRD's bio and work: Lingaraj Azad, the national president of the Samajwadi Jan Parishad, has been actively leading democratic and non-violent protests against indiscriminate exploitation of mineral resources in the name of development by multinational corporations. He has been actively engaged in defending the rights of Scheduled Tribe communities, particularly in the Niyamgiri region. He has been associated with grassroots movements such as Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti and the Maa Mati Mali Suraksha Manch opposing mining activities allegedly undertaken without compliance with constitutional and statutory safeguards in the regions scheduled areas, protecting tribal land and consent.

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

Geolocation of detention

Latitude: 19.906731899375558

Longitude: 83.15960556879811

Charge(s)

Recent case update / evolution: On April 17, 2026 District Judge, Kalahandi granted bail for Lingaraj Azard and Suresh Sangram.

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