Raghu Midiyami, a tribal human rights activist from Bastar and president of the Moolvasi Bachao Manch, has completed one year in custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He was arrested on 27 February 2025 from Dantewada, while recovering from severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Human rights organizations allege that Midiyami’s arrest is an attempt to suppress peaceful democratic movements. In addition to the NIA case, six separate cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been filed against him, making his release increasingly difficult.

Midiyami, a 25-year-old tribal youth leader, has been at the forefront of peaceful movements for tribal rights in Bastar. Through the Moolvasi Bachao Manch, he organized nearly 30 protest sites, advocating for the following constitutional demands:

Implementation of PESA and the Fifth Schedule

Prevention of mining and displacement

Cessation of fake encounters and mass killings

Halt to militarization in tribal areas

Protection of tribal community rights over water, forests, and land

Organizations assert that the allegations of receiving financial support from Maoist groups are being used to criminalize democratic dissent. No concrete evidence has been publicly presented so far.

Prior to his arrest, Midiyami had injured a finger in a motorcycle accident. Allegedly, the jail authorities did not provide adequate or timely medical care, resulting in permanent deformity of his finger. Human rights groups have condemned this as a violation of fundamental rights and an act of custodial cruelty.

In October 2024, the Chhattisgarh government had banned the Moolvasi Bachao Manch. Following this, a series of arrests and intimidation targeted the organization’s members. Midiyami’s arrest is seen as part of this broader pattern, where legitimate demands for tribal rights are being linked to alleged terrorist activities.

Demands of Human Rights Organizations:

1.Immediate release of Raghu Midiyami

2.Withdrawal of all NIA and UAPA cases

3.Provision of proper and urgent medical care

4.End to repression of peaceful tribal movements in Bastar

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has appealed to democratic and progressive organizations nationwide to unite in support of Raghu Midiyami’s release and the protection of tribal rights.