Mira Nair condemns arrest, brutality on Sadaf Jafar, actress from A Suitable Boy

Some massive detentions, arrests and lathi charges by the police in Uttar Pradesh have been reported in the last few days with regards to the ongoing protests against the National Register for Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Among the people arrested in Lucknow, also includes Sadaf Jafar, former teacher and the actress in Mira Nair’s upcoming BBC television series A Suitable Boy. She is also a member of the Congress party. 

There have been reports about Jafar being brutally beaten by the police after being arrested on 19 December. Nair reacted and sent out support to her on her official Twitter page. She said, “This is our India now - Appalling: our #SuitableBoy actress, Sadaf Jafar, beaten and jailed for peaceful protest in Lucknow! Join me in demanding her release.” 

Jafar’s near and dear ones spoke with the online portal The Quint about her condition in the jail on the basis of anonymity. Her niece said, “She has been shifted to Lucknow jail now. She was subjected to severe police brutality.” Her sister said, “She has been beaten with a baton on her legs and hands. The police also kicked her on the belly, following which she had internal bleeding.” 

Jafar’s family also said that she was on menstruation cycle when she was arrested. Her niece added that they will be filing for a bail plea soon. 

On the day of her arrest, Jafar had carried out one Facebook Live video where she is heard asking the police as to why they didn’t arrest the rioters by being mute spectators. Later, in another video, she is seen going through a riot-affected area from where the police arrested her.