2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy: Delhi HC Reserves Order On Bail Pleas Of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; SG Mehta Calls It ‘Well-Orchestrated Conspiracy’

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both of whom are accused in the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Northeast Delhi Riots.

Both are accused in the larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi Riots.

High Court bench of Justice Naveen Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur reserved the order after hearing detailed arguments from both sides.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Delhi Police amde detailed arguments in the matter.

He strongly opposed the grant of bail. Mehta said this is not a routine bail case. He called it a ‘well-organised and orchestrated conspiracy’ with an intent to tarnish India’s image globally.

Mehta said that Imam and Khalid deliberately chose the day to internationalise unrest.

Mehta said the accused used WhatsApp groups to coordinate communal violence.

He alleged the use of dangerous weapons, including a large iron slingshot (‘gulel’) capable of launching petrol bombs and bricks.

He said 58 witness statements under Section 164 CrPC have been recorded and emphasized that the riots were not spontaneous, but a premeditated effort to divide the country on religious lines.

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