Jean Dreze, Two Others Held In Jharkhand Over Public Meeting, Released

Development economist Jean Dreze and two of his associates, who were held by the Garhwa district police in Jharkhand on Thursday, have been released. 

Dreze’s associate Professor Reetika Khera confirmed that they had been released. 

The police said that the three were brought in for questioning over a public meeting that they did not have permission for. Sources said, the meeting was a public hearing about pensions and right to food organised by a civil society group named DEHAN. 

Speaking with HuffPost India around noon, the Superintendent of Police for the district, Shiwani Tiwari had said, “It is not an arrest. They have been brought for questioning in Bishunpur police station and will be released afterwards. They held a public meeting without permission.”

However, in a text message Khera, Dreze had said, “They say they will charge us. Want someone to bail us out. They want us to sign a bond and say that we have no complaint against government.” Dreze said he refused to sign the bond and was writing a statement and expect to be released soon. 

Huffpost India also reached out to Deputy Commissioner Harsh Mangla, who did not respond to phone calls.