A fast track court of Judge Brijmohan Gupta has dropped all charges filed against Nandlal, Shivlal, Rajesh Gupta and Laxman Rathore – members of Lok Samiti and residents of Mehndiganj – that were filed by the government and Coke after the mass rally outside the Mehndiganj plant in 2004.

On 24^th November 2004, at the culmination of a 15 day, 200 KM march from Ballia to Mehndiganj aimed to raise awareness about community rights to water and the unethical activities of Coke, over 2000 community members held a non-violent rally outside the plant.

During the rally, police and Coke security charged at the non-violent protesters with batons and severely beat and injured many including women and children. This has been documented in text and on video by local and international observers. In fact, video documents even show police personnel taking off their badges before charging at the demonstrators.

Over 500 people were arrested and about 176 were jailed. Most were let go after 2 days. However, 4 people listed above were jailed for longer, beaten up and then charged on more than 15 counts including arson in the Coke plant, looting and breakage within the plant, beating and injuring police and security personnel and abusing district administration. The four faced life imprisonment if proven guilty.

The case had been going on for 2 years. During this time, Nandlal’s passport had been confiscated and he was not allowed to travel to the US on an invited speaking tour. The charged have had to visit court on a regular basis, often when witnesses failed to show up. And yet, if these 4 missed their visit, they would be arrested.

The government witnesses included policemen and Coke security personnel. Other witnesses included shopkeepers and local community members. While the government witnesses said they agreed with the charges, local community members said that the demonstration was completely non-violent.

However, the witnesses could show no evidence of bodily damage, wounds or records of treatment as a result of violence these charged men were to have perpetrated. In addition, Coke plant could show no evidence of arson or damage in the plant. On Nov 28^th, 2006, the fast track court dropped all charges.

While justice has been done against those falsely charged, the court gave no warning nor did it attempt to hold those laying charges accountable. It is especially reprehensible that the administration placed false charges against the people for whom the administration exists.

Lok Samiti now demands that Coca Cola company be held accountable for its unethical practices including excessive draining of water, of evading taxes and encroaching on public land. In addition, it also be charged for falsely implicating community members and compensate the community for the harassment resulting from these false charges. Lok Samiti also demands that the local administration also be held responsible for false accounts.

In addition, Lok Samiti and the Andolan would like to thank the international community of supporters for demanding justice from the judicial and administrative processes and looks for continued support as the campaign goes forward. 

For more information, please contact Nandlal (09415300520, napm_up@yahoo.com)