Delhi High Court Orders Expedited Protection for Ex-DUSU President Facing Death Threats

New Delhi:

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court instructed city police to accelerate the protection request from former Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri, who has reported receiving death threats.

Khatri's court petition states he received threatening messages from a Ukraine-registered phone number, with the sender identifying as a notorious gangster demanding Rs 5 crore and threatening his life if payment isn't made.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja emphasized that protecting citizens' lives is the State's responsibility, and constitutional courts must uphold these protections.

"As the petitioner perceives a threat to his life, the DCP, Outer North, and the DCP, Special Cell, are directed to expedite the petitioner's police protection request," the court ordered.

The court further instructed that the relevant beat constable and station house officer should be advised to respond immediately to any calls from Khatri.

Additionally, the beat constable has been directed to make regular visits to the petitioner over the next two weeks to ensure his safety.

During proceedings, Delhi Police's standing counsel Sanjay Lao informed the court that Khatri's security application had been forwarded to the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) of the Special Cell, who would evaluate the threat level and make a determination.

Khatri, represented by advocates Shaurya Vikram and Obhirup Ghosh, claimed the threats came from someone affiliated with the Rohit Godara gang, allegedly involved in numerous criminal cases.

According to his petition, despite the serious threat, Khatri only received limited protection on September 29, which wasn't static and didn't include continuous police presence at his residence.

This protection was withdrawn the following day, with Khatri being told that police would conduct a threat assessment.

Since then, he has repeatedly contacted Delhi Police requesting reinstatement of protection for himself and his family, but has received no response despite multiple representations, according to the plea.

Khatri served as DUSU president last year.