Disha Ravi’s arrest strikes fear in ‘compromised’ activists, journalists

Disha Ravi, a 21-year-old activist from Bengaluru, was on Sunday arrested by the Delhi police in connection with the Greta Thunberg toolkit conspiracy case. The toolkit pertains to the farmers’ protest in Delhi. Many see it as part of a global conspiracy to create disturbances in India by inciting riots. Disha has been described as a climate activist. 

Soon after Disha’s arrest, several activists and journalists are believed to be scared. It’s said that the police will eventually unearth a network of activists who may or may not have anything to do with Disha in particular. BJP leader BL Santhosh today wrote, “As the great drama of #Toolkit unfolds, many anarchists who are rallying behind Disha Ravi as 21-year-old, sole breadwinner, daughter of single mother, climate change activist will run for cover. WhatsApp groups, editing options, conversations will unravel many characters.” 

A number of ‘compromised’ activists are said to be part of an orchestrated campaign to use the farmers’ protests to create havoc. These voices have not uttered a word against the lumpen elements who went berserk on January 26 and attacked a number of cops in Delhi. 

Meanwhile, many, including the likes of Arvind Kejriwal, are sympathizing with Disha Ravi. DMK chief MK Stalin wrote, “Shocked by the police arrest of #DishaRavi on flimsy charges. Silencing critics of the government through authoritarian means is not the rule of law. I urge the BJP govt to desist from taking such punitive action & instead listen to the voices of dissent from young persons.”