MP High Court directs state to produce woman allegedly detained en route to CJP protest

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to produce before it a woman allegedly detained while travelling to Delhi for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest, or ensure her safe return to her family by Tuesday.

Preeti Londhe was travelling on the Goa Express to attend the CJP’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi when Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel allegedly deboarded her at Itarsi station in Narmadapuram district on Thursday and handed her over to the state police.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice A Y Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain on Friday issued notices to the state government and other respondents on a habeas corpus petition filed by Londhe’s sister, Vishakha Prashant Londhe.

The bench directed the state government to produce Preeti Londhe before the court. It also permitted the government to produce her before the next hearing on Tuesday, provided prior notice was given to the other side.

The court further directed the government to make arrangements for the woman’s safe return to her family.