Delhi Police Opposes Bail for Student Activists in 2020 Northeast Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case

Strategic Insights -

The Delhi Police has strongly opposed the release of student activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case. In a 177-page affidavit, the police argued that the alleged offences involved a deliberate attempt to destabilize the State, warranting "jail and not bail." The police submission contradicts the Supreme Court's earlier suggestion to consider releasing the accused on bail, with one of the justices asking if the prolonged incarceration of nearly five years could weigh in favor of temporary release.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Delhi Police has argued that the allegations against the accused do not suggest involvement in terrorist activity, which is a prerequisite for bail under the UAPA.
  • The police contend that the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots were part of a coordinated "regime change operation" aimed at igniting communal tensions during the visit of then US President Donald Trump.
  • The prosecution alleges that the plan aimed to internationalize the unrest and project the Indian government as discriminatory.
  • The Delhi Police has submitted a 177-page affidavit opposing the release of student activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others booked under the UAPA.
  • The Supreme Court had earlier suggested considering the release of the accused on bail, but the Delhi Police has disputed this, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
  • The accused have spent nearly five years in judicial custody as undertrials.

Statistics:

  • 177 pages: The length of the Delhi Police's affidavit opposing the release of student activists.
  • 5 years: The duration of the accused's incarceration as undertrials.
  • 2020: The year in which the Northeast Delhi riots took place.

Sources:

  • The Hindu Town (HT Chandigarh) article, " Delhi Police opposes bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others in northeast Delhi riots case ", dated October 31.