Delhi Riots2020: Umar Khalid & Khalid Saifi Discharged form Stone Pelting But Remain in Jail!

Delhi’s Karkardooma Court on Saturday discharged former JNU Student Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi in a stone-pelting case aimd the 2020 North East delhi riots. However, the duo will continue to remain in jail given an FIR against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for hatching a larger conspiracy behind the riots.

Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala however framed charges against Tahir Hussain, and 10 others in the case related to alleged rioting, vandalism and arson at a parking lot in February 2020.

The court directed charges to be framed under IPC sections, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 147 (rioting), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 395 (dacoity), 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance) and 454 (house-trespass).

The court further directed to put accused persons namely Tahir Hussain, Liyakat Ali, Riyasat Ali, Shah Alam, Mohd Shadab, Mohd Abid, Rashid Saifi, Gulfam, Arshad Qayyum, Irshad Ahmad and Mohd. Rihan on trial for the alleged offences including rioting and arson on December 17.

The court directed charges to be frame in FIR , which was filed at Khajuri Khas Police Station.

On the basis of the statement of Constable Sangram Singh the FIR in the case was registered, stated riotous mob had pelted stones on Main Karawal Nagar Road, besides setting ablaze several vehicles in a nearby parking lot on February 24, 2020.

JNU student Umar Khalid was booked under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly masterminding the February 2020 riots, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

Widespread violence had erupted during the protests against CAA and NRC. Khalid, who was arrested by Delhi Police in the riots case in September 2020, was also involved in the JNU sedition row case.