Umar Khalid, Saifi discharged in 2020 Delhi riots case | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Umar Khalid, Saifi discharged in 2020 Delhi riots case

Dec 04, 2022 03:07 AM IST

Additional sessions judge (ASJ) Pulastya Pramachala discharged the suspects, noting that the evidence against them pertains to the larger conspiracy case of the northeast riots, which is pending trial before another court.

A Delhi court on Saturday cleared former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid and United Against Hate (UAH)’s founder Khalid Saifi from charges of rioting, vandalism, arson and promoting religious enmity in a case of the northeast Delhi riots at Khajuri Khas in February 2020.

Former JNU student Umar Khalid(PTI photo)
Former JNU student Umar Khalid(PTI photo)

Both will, however, continue to remain in prison in connection with another case related to the northeast Delhi riots, in which they have been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly orchestrating communal violence.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Additional sessions judge (ASJ) Pulastya Pramachala discharged the suspects, noting that the evidence against them pertains to the larger conspiracy case of the northeast riots, which is pending trial before another court.

The First Information Report (FIR) in the Khajuri Khas case was registered on the statement of constable Sangram Singh, in which he stated that on February 24, 2020 at 2pm, he along with several other police officers sustained injures when a large crowd gathered on a road in the locality and started pelting stones.

The crowd set the vehicles in a nearby parking area, including his motorcycle, ablaze, the FIR said.

Besides Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi, the court also discharged Tariq Moin Rizvi, Jagar Khan and Mohammad Illiyas.

The court directed all the accused to furnish a bond under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for 10,000 with one surety in the like amount.

A detailed reasoned order of the court is yet to be uploaded on the official website.

The judge, however, framed charges against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain and 10 others in the case, saying they are liable to be tried for the offence of rioting, arson, promoting religious enmity, criminal conspiracy, voluntarily causing hurt, dacoity, mischief by fire or explosive substance and house-trespass or house-breaking.

According to the prosecution, Tahir Hussain’s building was used by the rioters for “brick batting, stone pelting, pelting of petrol bombs and acid bombs”, and that this material was found lying on the third floor and rooftop of the building.

Though Umar Khalid was not part of the mob, he and Khalid Saifi were accused of criminal conspiracy in the case.

Besides Hussain, the court put on trial Liyakat Ali, Riyasat Ali, Shah Alam, Mohd. Shadab, Mohd. Abid, Rashid Saifi, Gulfam alias VIP, Arshad Qayyum, Irshad Ahmad and Mohd Rihan alias Arshad Pradhan.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, the court framed charges against Hussain, Riyasat Ali, Gulfam, Shah Alam, Rashid Saifi, Arshad, Liyakat Ali, Mohd Shadab, Mohd bid and Irshad Ahmad, registered on the incident of rioting and arson in a banquet hall during the communal violence.

The court posted the matter for framing of charges in both matters on December 17.

Communal riots had broken out in northeast Delhi in February 2020, claiming 53 lives and leaving more than 700 injured.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Reports from the Delhi High Court and stories on legal developments in the city. Avid mountain lover, cooking and playing with birds 🐦 when not at work

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On