Six women who were imprisoned in connection with the February 2024 Haldwani violence case have accused prison authorities of forcing them to perform unpaid manual labour during their seven-month incarceration. The women, who were recently released on bail, claim they were made to clean toilets, mop floors, and carry out other tasks that are outside their designated prison duties.
According to the detainees, this forced labour violated their fundamental rights under Article 23 of the Constitution, which prohibits forced labour. The prison laws explicitly forbid such practices, yet the women assert that they were subjected to degrading and inhumane conditions.
The Haldwani violence erupted on February 8, 2024, after the demolition of a mosque and madrasa in the Banbhulpura area. While the government argued the structures were illegally built, the demolition triggered violent protests, resulting in seven deaths and over 150 injuries. The six women were arrested during the unrest and are now facing serious charges, including violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), although many claim they were wrongfully implicated.
One of the women, Reshma, who suffers from diabetes and severe kidney infections, described her treatment in prison as traumatic. “I was forced to clean toilets despite my health issues. They only gave me painkillers for my ulcers, and when I requested to be exempted from cleaning, I was beaten,” she said.
Another woman, Salma, recalled her arrest after police showed her a photograph of her during the protests. She was detained for months without trial, describing the uncertainty and emotional toll as the worst part of her imprisonment. “It was not the cell, but the feeling of abandonment,” she said.
The women also highlighted the severe food shortages and substandard conditions during their time in prison. “We were given two meals a day, and had to save some for iftar and sehri during Ramadan. The food was terrible, and there was no proper arrangement for breaking the fast,” one of the women added.
They also spoke of threats from prison staff, with one of them being warned of beatings for talking too long to her relatives during their visits. “It felt like living in constant fear,” said another detainee.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.