Family alleges the 65-year-old Muslim man from Bareilly is being held illegally in police custody since July 20
BAREILLY — The Allahabad High Court has taken a firm stand on the alleged illegal detention of 65-year-old Mahmud Baig in this Uttar Pradesh city. On Tuesday, the court directed senior police officials, including the ADG, IG, and SSP, to present Beg in court on 8 September, 2025. SSP Anurag Arya has been instructed to appear personally.
“The court of judges Salil Kumar Rai and Zafeer Ahmad has directed that the detainee be produced at the next hearing and has asked me to be present personally. A police officer has been tasked with tracing him. The court’s order will be fully complied with,” SSP Bareilly was quoted by The Times of India as saying.
According to Baig’s family, he was forcibly taken from his home on 20 July by police officers and has remained in their custody ever since. The family claims that police demanded ransom for his release, raising serious concerns over his safety.
Baig’s wife, Parveen Akhtar, filed a petition in the High Court, while his son, Mudassir Baig, recounted that on the night of 20 July, approximately 11 people arrived in three vehicles and forcibly took his father. “When we objected, one individual identified himself as a police officer and pointed a gun at us,” Mudassir said. The family has stated that CCTV footage exists showing police vehicles at the scene.
Mudassir added that some police officers later visited their home, asking for Mahmud Baig’s diabetes medication due to his deteriorating health. He alleged that when he followed them, he was taken to a building near the police lines, where a ransom of ₹1 lakh was demanded for his father’s release. It later emerged that these individuals were linked to the Bareilly Police Special Operations Group (SOG).
The family claimed that despite repeated appeals to senior officials and complaints on the IGRS portal, no action was taken. In court, Baig’s lawyer, Ehtesham Afsar Khan, argued that the forcible taking of any individual without arrest, FIR, or warrant constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The high court’s intervention underscores growing concerns about minority rights and the misuse of police authority in certain cases across Uttar Pradesh. Legal experts emphasise that prompt judicial oversight is essential to protect vulnerable citizens and ensure the rule of law.
“It is alarming that a senior citizen could be subjected to such treatment,” said a human rights advocate. “This case highlights the urgent need for accountability and safeguards for minorities against arbitrary actions.”
The Allahabad High Court’s strict directives have sent a strong message to law enforcement agencies about compliance with constitutional safeguards and respect for individual liberties.
