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Apology sought for seizing books

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Academics and activists on Monday demanded an apology from the Chandrapur police in Maharashtra for seizing books from the stall of the Delhi-based publisher, Danish Books, during an exhibition organised as part of the Deeksha Day celebrations.

According to a statement issued by them, the police surrounded the stall and took away 41 books on the charge that they contained dangerous, anti-state material.

The books include a Marathi translation of the thoughts of Bhagat Singh and texts on Marxism and Leninism. Pointing out that Danish Books was a familiar feature at many pro-people programmes, the statement noted that it was a publisher of repute with strong pro-people leanings.

"They publish and display books which are at many times critical of State policies. Is it a crime to publish and display such books in a democracy? That such an action can be taken by the police without hesitation shows that India is fast turning into a police state and the police feel free to indulge in such unlawful activities in the name of containing terrorism."

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