A Delhi court on Thursday rejected the bail pleas of former JNU student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The court observed that there was prima facie evidence against them, and they were part of a larger conspiracy to incite violence.
Court's Observations
Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, while dismissing the bail applications, noted that the allegations against Khalid and Imam were serious in nature. The court stated that the accused had played a significant role in orchestrating the riots, which led to the loss of lives and property. The judge emphasized that the investigation was at a crucial stage and releasing the accused on bail could hamper the probe.
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that Khalid and Imam were key conspirators in the February 2020 riots that erupted in northeast Delhi. The violence claimed 53 lives and left over 700 injured. The prosecution claimed that the accused had delivered inflammatory speeches and were part of a larger plan to disrupt peace and harmony in the national capital.
Defense Arguments Rejected
The defense counsel contended that the accused were being falsely implicated and that there was no direct evidence linking them to the riots. They argued that Khalid and Imam had been in custody for over two years and deserved bail. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that the gravity of the offenses and the nature of the evidence warranted their continued incarceration.
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other charges for their alleged involvement in the larger conspiracy behind the Delhi riots. The case is being investigated by the Delhi Police's Special Cell.
Impact and Reactions
The rejection of bail pleas has drawn mixed reactions. While the prosecution hailed the decision as a step towards justice, the families of the accused expressed disappointment. Human rights activists have raised concerns about the prolonged detention of the activists without trial.
The trial in the case is expected to continue, with the court setting a schedule for further hearings. The next hearing is slated for August 2026.
