Delhi Police Seeks Bail Denial for Accused in 2020 Riots Conspiracy
High Court Hearing on Delhi Riots Case
On Wednesday, the Delhi Police appealed to the High Court to refuse bail to individuals accused of participating in a supposed "larger conspiracy" related to the 2020 Delhi riots. They argued that these individuals aimed to tarnish India's reputation on a global scale.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the police, stated to the bench of Justices Naveen Chawla and Shalinder Kaur that those who act against the nation should remain incarcerated until proven innocent or guilty.
Mehta emphasized that this case is not typical, where defendants might argue for bail due to prolonged detention. He asserted, "In cases involving anti-national activities, the duration of incarceration is irrelevant." He described the riots as an assault on the nation's sovereignty, suggesting that targeting the capital impacts the entire country.
He accused the defendants of fostering communal tensions by creating a WhatsApp group titled "Muslim students of JNU" (Jawaharlal Nehru University). Mehta claimed that former JNU students Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid contributed to undermining the university's secular ethos.
The solicitor general referenced a speech by Imam made during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, alleging that it was intended to embarrass the nation internationally. He pointed out that Imam's speech occurred just weeks before a visit from the US President, indicating a planned execution of the conspiracy.
Imam allegedly urged protestors to "cut off Assam from India" by occupying the strategically significant "Muslim-dominated Chicken’s Neck." This statement was interpreted as secessionist, although Imam later clarified that he was advocating for peaceful protests to block roads leading to Assam.
The High Court bench has reserved its decision on the bail applications of several accused, including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa ur Rehman, Athar Khan, and Khalid Saifi. Another bench has also reserved a decision on Tasleem Ahmed's bail petition.
On Thursday, the bench will address the petition of a ninth accused, Shadab Ahmed.
Violence erupted in North East Delhi in February 2020, involving clashes between supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulting in 53 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The Delhi Police contends that the unrest was part of a broader scheme to discredit the Narendra Modi administration, orchestrated by those who led the protests against the controversial citizenship law.
In December, Imam asserted in court that he never incited violence during his speeches against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Khalid argued that merely being part of a WhatsApp group does not equate to criminal behavior.