Delhi Police Claims Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam Misleading Court with Bail Petitions

The Delhi Police have asserted that the bail applications filed by activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in relation to the 2020 riots conspiracy case are not only ‘illegal’ but also designed to mislead the judiciary. This statement was made during a recent court hearing, as reported by Bar and Bench on Wednesday.

The police reiterated their claims that both Khalid and Imam are the alleged ‘masterminds’ behind the riots that erupted in North East Delhi in February 2020, which resulted in 53 fatalities and left hundreds injured. The violence primarily unfolded between supporters of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and those who opposed it, with a significant number of victims belonging to the Muslim community.

Khalid, Imam, and several other activists were apprehended between January and September of 2020 following the outbreak of communal violence. They face serious charges under multiple laws, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The Delhi Police have previously alleged that the violence was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the image of the Narendra Modi-led government and was orchestrated by individuals who organized protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. As of now, the trial for both Khalid and Imam has not commenced, leaving their legal battles ongoing.

This recent plea for bail marks the third attempt by the activists, with their previous two petitions having been denied by the court. The situation highlights the continuing tensions surrounding the CAA and the polarizing effects of the events that transpired during the riots. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of these cases extend beyond individual freedom, touching upon broader questions of civil rights, freedom of speech, and the political landscape in India.

Source: scroll.in