Guwahati: The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a umbrella organization, has alleged that officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) harassed and intimidated the family of labour rights activist Shiv Kumar during a visit to his residence on September 25 in connection with the Lucknow Conspiracy Case (FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow).

According to CASR, NIA officials visited Kumar’s residence when he was not at home and allegedly questioned his family members without showing a warrant or prior notice.The organisation alleged that Kumar’s father and brother were subjected to questioning and harassment during the visit. It further claimed that officials took away his father’s mobile phone, checked its contents without his consent and later returned it.

CASR said Kumar’s brother is dealing with a serious psychological condition and described the alleged questioning and intimidation as particularly distressing for the family.The organisation also alleged that the officials visited the office of Kumar’s organisation in the area and questioned the landlord about renting premises to labour rights activists.

According to CASR, the landlord subsequently asked Kumar and his colleagues to vacate the premises.The organisation said officials seen during the visits were identified through CCTV footage as including an officer believed to be associated with the investigation into the Lucknow Conspiracy Case. CASR has called for independent verification of the identity and authority of all officials involved.

Previous allegations against Shiv Kumar CASR said the latest incident should be viewed against the backdrop of previous action against Kumar.The organisation said Kumar was picked up near Delhi’s Dayal Singh College by the Delhi Police Special Cell on March 12, 2026, and was detained for around 60 hours.

According to CASR, a habeas corpus petition was subsequently filed before the Delhi High Court in relation to the detention, following which the court sought an explanation from the police regarding the circumstances and legal authority for his detention.

On April 16, the NIA issued Kumar a notice in connection with the Lucknow Conspiracy Case, the organisation said.CASR also referred to the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), which it said has raised concerns over the continuing harassment of Kumar.

Kumar has worked with the Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan (MAS) among workers in Haryana’s Kundli industrial area, with his work focused on labour rights and worker organisation, according to CASR.The organisation also cited Kumar’s arrest during the farmers’ movement in 2021 and his subsequent allegations of custodial torture. CASR said a medical examination submitted before the Punjab and Haryana High Court had recorded multiple injuries, including fractures.

CASR demands independent inquiry CASR alleged that the recent sequence of detention, interrogation, NIA proceedings, visits to Kumar’s residence and organisational office, and questioning of family members amounted to sustained pressure on the activist, his family and colleagues.

The organisation demanded an immediate end to what it described as harassment, surveillance and intimidation of Kumar and his family.It also called for disclosure of the identity, authority and purpose of the officials who visited Kumar’s residence and organisational office, as well as an independent investigation into the alleged harassment.

CASR further demanded that FIR No. RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow be quashed, alleging that it is being used to target activists and democratic movements.The organisation also sought accountability for what it described as the alleged illegal detention and custodial torture of Kumar and other activists.

CASR said it stands in solidarity with Kumar, his family and colleagues and appealed to trade unions, civil liberties groups, student organisations and other democratic rights organisations to oppose what it described as continuing harassment of labour rights activists.