Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Athar Khan in 2020 Riots Conspiracy Case

The Delhi High Court has ruled against granting bail to Athar Khan, who is implicated in a broader conspiracy aimed at inciting riots in the capital during 2020. This decision, made public on Tuesday, comes against the backdrop of significant civil unrest that occurred in North East Delhi during February of that year.

Khan was apprehended in July 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and has remained incarcerated for over three years. The division bench, consisting of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain, highlighted that a preliminary examination of the evidence presented suggests Khan played a substantial role in instigating violence, leading to loss of life and damage to both public and private properties.

In their ruling, the justices noted that statements from protected witnesses indicated a potential flight risk associated with Khan. The court expressed concerns that his release could jeopardize ongoing investigations, particularly by allowing him to influence witnesses whose testimonies have yet to be recorded. The judgment emphasized the necessity of safeguarding these individuals amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.

The court had previously observed that WhatsApp conversations linked to Khan potentially demonstrate a conspiracy to orchestrate violence, strengthening the prosecution’s case against him. This aspect of the ruling reflects a growing concern over digital communications being used as a vehicle for inciting unrest.

The communal clashes in North East Delhi, which erupted in February 2020, were fueled by tensions surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The act, which critics argue discriminates against Muslim migrants, ignited widespread protests and counter-protests, leading to one of the worst instances of communal violence in recent Indian history. The situation raised alarms about social cohesion and the potential for similar unrest in the future, making the current case against Khan and others significantly pertinent to ongoing discussions about law, order, and communal relations in India.

Source: scroll.in