Fri Nov 21 16:14:37 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:
Delhi Police Vigorously Oppose Bail for Umar Khalid, Others in 2020 Delhi Riots Case
New Delhi – In a Supreme Court hearing today, the Delhi Police strongly opposed the bail pleas of former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and others accused under the UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The prosecution argued that the accused have shown “scant regard” for the Constitution, invoking it only when seeking bail. Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju alleged the accused were deliberately delaying the trial to use it as a basis for bail.
The police presented video evidence, including CCTV footage of mobs during the riots and excerpts from speeches by co-accused Sharjeel Imam, which they claim instigated violence and aimed for regime change. The prosecution asserts the violence was pre-planned, with evidence of people collecting and testing weapons.
The police accused the group of conspiracy, instigating “chakka jams” to disrupt the capital’s supply lines, and attempting to “choke Assam out of India.” They cited protected witnesses who claim the accused were unhappy with the level of violence due to CCTV surveillance and allegedly conspired to disable cameras.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused financed the riots, labeling it “terror financing”. The court adjourned the hearing until Monday to hear the petitioners’ response.
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