We, the undersigned, are alarmed at the news that the management of M/s Jindal Power Limited (JPL) has lodged a complaint of extortion against environmental activist, Ramesh Agrawal. Mr. Agrawal is widely known and well-respected for his tireless campaigns for ensuring the protection of environmental rights of vulnerable communities in Chhattisgarh. This appears to be nothing more than malicious attempt to persecute Mr. Agrawal, silence him and intimidate other public-spirited citizens. We wish to register our dismay that the Chhattisgarh police have entertained this frivolous and vindictive complaint, on the basis of which Mr. Agrawal has been charged with serious, non-bailable offences.