Prisoner No. 626710 is powerful chronicle on injustice. The film exposes the harsh realities of state repression, institutional injustice, and the erosion of fundamental rights in India. Lalit Vachani has created a film that is disturbing, and deeply moving, painting a vivid picture of Umar Khalid’s journey, and the sacrifices he has made for his beliefs
By Rashi Gupta
Lalit Vachani’s Prisoner No 626710 is an important and thought-provoking documentary about Umar Khalid, a brilliant research scholar who did his doctoral theses from the Centre for Historical Studies (CHS), School of Social Sciences (SSS), at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Umar was arrested, on what are widely presumed to be fake charges, in September 2020.
The film delves into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, his prolonged incarceration for almost four years without trial, and the vicious political climate that led to this situation. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for being a ‘key conspirator’ in the Delhi riots in February 2020, in which 53 people died and scores of people were injured.
Along with him, other brilliant, young scholars like Gulfisha and Sharjeel Imam are also rotting in prison, on, again, what are perceived to be totally fake charges, with no evidence.
The 59-minute documentary expertly depicts the contrast between Umar’s vibrant activism and the stagnation that comes with being imprisoned for such a long period. It details his life as an scholar and activist, including protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which rocked the country.
This led to his arrest on false charge that he was one of the ‘masterminds’ behind the violence. The film also shows how Khalid, along with other scholars, such as Sharjeel Imam, have come to represent the government’s crackdown on civil rights and dissent under the current Narendra Modi regime.
Vachani’s documentary not only focuses on Umar’s political journey, but also humanizes his struggle by demonstrating the emotional toll it has taken on his loved ones, particularly his partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, also from JNU. Her interview provides a glimpse into their relationship, shared moments, and the agony of being separated by unjust imprisonment .
Lahiri’s tenacity and unwavering support for her friend are evident, as she never misses a scheduled jail visit (mulaqaat), and they strive to make these meetings as enjoyable as possible, despite the grim reality they face.
One of the most moving aspects of Prisoner No 626710 is the glimpse it provides into Umar’s time in prison. Lahiri reveals that Khalid has read nearly 200 books in imprisonment, demonstrating his intellectual endurance and determination to make the best of his circumstances. This small detail adds depth to his character by demonstrating that, despite his continuous isolation and injustice, he remains mentally sharp and engaged.
The film weaves his story into the larger narrative of the Hindutva movement and the rise of the BJP . Vachani, known for his previous films about the RSS, continues his investigation into Hindutva ideology and its political influence in India. He contrasts Khalid’s fearless activism with the RSS’s gradual rise to power, emphasizing the Modi regime’s crackdown on dissenters, particularly Muslims, dissenters and civil rights activists.
One of the documentary’s strong points is its ability to balance personal stories with political commentary. It not only sheds light on Khalid’s case, but it also offers a broader commentary on how ruthless laws like UAPA are used to silence dissent in India.
The film highlights the Indian judicial system’s stark failure to provide justice to Umar and others, who have been held in jail for years for no crime committed. This is happening, even when individuals like Ram Rahim, acused of murder and rape, are getting repeated paroles, at the behest of the BJP government in Haryana.
In conclusion, Prisoner No 626710 is a compelling and important documentary that exposes the harsh realities of state repression, institutional injustice, and the erosion of fundamental rights in India. Vachani has created a film that is both informative and deeply moving, painting a vivid picture of Umar Khalid’s journey, and the sacrifices he has made for his beliefs.
It’s a must-see for anyone interested in understanding India’s ongoing civil rights struggle. The film has a deep and disturbing impact on viewers, prompting them to consider the cost of dissent in a secular democracy, subverted by the Neo-Nazi forces so brazenly in the last ten years.
Picture taken from X handle of Umar Khalid.