Delhi High Court Cites WhatsApp Evidence in Athar Khan’s Bail Plea Amid Riot Conspiracy Claims

The Delhi High Court made significant remarks on Tuesday regarding the bail application of Athar Khan, one of the accused in the conspiracy linked to the violent riots that erupted in Delhi in 2020. During proceedings, a division bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain highlighted that WhatsApp chats attributed to Khan appear to substantiate allegations of conspiracy.

According to reports from Live Law, the court observed that the presented messages from a specific WhatsApp group provided prima facie evidence of a coordinated effort among the accused. The judges noted, “These messages actually prove the conspiracy, that they were together… Sometimes when people conspire, things go out of hand, and that is what has happened. We all were witnesses to these riots. These messages prove you were an active participant. This is shocking. If you agree to conspiracy, then what relief?” This statement underscores the court’s serious view of the evidence at hand.

Athar Khan’s legal team has argued for his release on bail by citing the case of Shadab Ahmad, another accused who was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Khan’s counsel contended that the WhatsApp conversations reflect intentions of conducting peaceful protests rather than inciting violence. They emphasized the absence of any weapons recovered from Khan, suggesting a lack of intent to participate in violent acts.

However, the additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Delhi Police, contested this view, indicating that Khan’s alleged role in the riots differed significantly from that of Ahmad. The court’s observations highlight the complexity of the case, which is rooted in the communal violence that unfolded in North East Delhi, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive property damage.

The riots, which erupted in February 2020, were marked by clashes between communities and have been widely condemned. As the legal proceedings continue, the scrutiny over the evidence, including digital communications, reflects the shifting landscape of law enforcement and judicial processes in India, particularly in cases involving communal tensions. The High Court has reserved its judgment on Khan’s bail plea, leaving the outcome pending as the legal implications of the WhatsApp chats are considered.

Source: scroll.in