The Delhi Police on Thursday began presenting their arguments in the Karkardooma Court regarding the framing of charges against several accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
The prosecution claims that the riots were part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” sparked after the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament on December 4, 2019.
The court is hearing charges against prominent figures like Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Tahir Hussain, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, Gulfisha Fatima, Safoora Zargar, and others. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad emphasized that various organizations such as Pinjra Tod, AAZMI, SIO, and SFI were involved in organizing protests and violent activities as part of the alleged conspiracy.
The prosecution cited WhatsApp messages, chats, and witness statements to back their claims, suggesting that the plan aimed to disrupt the city through protests and road blockages (chakka jams) in Muslim-majority areas. These protests eventually led to violence against both police and non-Muslims, according to the prosecution. The police claim that 23 protest sites were created in Muslim areas specifically to intensify unrest.
During the hearing, SPP Amit Prasad argued that the riots of February 2020 were premeditated, with another smaller riot occurring in December 2019, involving similar tactics and individuals. He stated that the protests were not spontaneous but rather orchestrated as part of a larger plan.
The prosecution also mentioned that the protests were strategically timed, with major events like the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump being chosen to draw international attention. Evidence was presented showing how CCTV cameras in riot-affected areas were deliberately damaged to avoid capturing footage of the violence.
The court has adjourned further arguments until Friday and scheduled the bail hearing for accused Saleem Khan on Monday. The prosecution’s case is based on the alleged conspiracy’s beginning shortly after the passing of the CAB and claims that key figures like Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid played pivotal roles in mobilizing support and organizing disruptive activities.
According to police, Sharjeel Imam was one of the first to act following the bill’s passage, forming groups like “Muslim Students of JNU” and planning disruptive chakka jams across Delhi. Several meetings between key accused were highlighted, where strategies for widespread protests and road blockages were discussed.
The police also cited witness testimonies and chats from various WhatsApp groups to link the accused to the larger conspiracy behind the riots.
