The Night That Changed Everything
Bharatiya Janata Party legislator S Suresh Kumar has revealed shocking details about his traumatic experience during the Emergency period declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The politician, who was just 19 years old at the time, described how his life transformed dramatically during that dark chapter of Indian democracy.
Brutal Arrest and Police Violence
Kumar recounted being taken to the High Grounds police station where he faced severe physical abuse. He was confined in a cell and surrounded by 10-12 police officers who subjected him to brutal treatment. The lawmaker used a powerful sports analogy to describe his ordeal, stating that if he were a football, the police officers would have been legendary players Messi and Ronaldo based on how violently they kicked him around.
The incident that triggered this political persecution occurred at the famous Ashoka Hotel, which became the setting where his life took an unexpected turn. Kumar emphasized that this experience during the Emergency period left an indelible mark on his life and political career.
Remembering India's Democratic Crisis
The Emergency, declared from 1975 to 1977, represents one of the most controversial periods in independent India's history. During this time, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, and political opponents faced widespread persecution. Kumar's testimony adds to the growing archive of personal accounts documenting the excesses committed during those 21 months of authoritarian rule.
His story emerges as an important reminder of the value of democratic freedoms and the price many Indians paid to protect them. The BJP lawmaker's experience underscores how ordinary citizens and young activists became victims of state-sponsored violence during what many describe as India's darkest democratic hour.
