In a significant ruling regarding the 2020 northeastern Delhi riots conspiracy case, the Supreme Court has pronounced its decision. The court declined bail for social activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. According to the Supreme Court, there is a prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
However, in the same case, the court has granted bail to five other accused: Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-Ur-Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed. The decision has elicited varied reactions among those associated with and supporting the accused.
No Relief from Supreme Court, Statement from Umar Khalid
Following the Supreme Court's decision on Monday, Umar Khalid expressed to his associate, Jyotsna Lahiri, that prison has now become his life. He shared his happiness over the bail granted to the other accused, even though he himself did not receive relief.
Bano Jyotsna Lahiri shared this conversation on social media platform X. She wrote that Umar felt very happy and relieved for others who received bail. She also mentioned her plan to meet him the next day, to which Umar responded that this is the life he now knows.
'This Is Life Now, Awaiting Freedom from Jail'
The riots in northeastern Delhi in February 2020 resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. The Delhi Police accused several individuals in this matter. Sharjeel Imam was arrested on January 28, 2020, for speeches given in protest of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and was later arrested in August 2020 for this larger conspiracy case. Umar Khalid was arrested on September 13, 2020.
All seven accused were charged under the UAPA and sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police allege that they were the masterminds behind the Delhi riots. Under UAPA's Section 16, if a terrorist act leads to death, the penalty can be death or life imprisonment.
As the narrative of the case unfolds, what remains is a blend of legal challenges and personal resilience for those implicated.
