The Delhi Court on 14th September 2020, Monday remanded former JNU student Umar Khalid to 10 days of police custody as he was suspected to be in relation to the Delhi riots case. The order was passed by Judge Amitabh Rawat, Additional Sessions Court, Karkardooma at 4 pm. 

The Judge stated that “I deem it fit, for having an effective and appropriate investigation, will allow the present application seeking police remand custody of the accused Umar Khalid for a period of 10 days. Accordingly, the application of police custody remand is permitted to the Investigating Officer (IO) of the accused named Umar Khalid. 

The suspect was arrested by the Delhi Police on 13th September, Sunday pursuant to the FIR filed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) with regard to the riots that took place in February 2020 in north-east Delhi. He was produced before the court virtually by the Delhi Police. 

The prosecution is stating that the riots were planned, deliberate and the result of a deep-rooted conspiracy that was devised by Khalid and his other mates belonging to various organizations. It was also mentioned by the Delhi Police, that along with the conspiracy, Khalid even gave provoking speeches where he asked the citizens to come out on roads to protest and expand the propaganda about minorities in India being mistreated. 

SPP Amit Prasad, seeking 10 remand of the accused stated that Khalid has to be confronted with enormous documentary evidence and the investigation is ongoing. Whereas, the advocate for Khalid, Trideep Pais contended that there was no concrete reason to justify Umar’s detention when he had been cooperating with the investigation. It was even stated that there was no proof against Umar Khalid to support Delhi Police’s accusations. 

After referring to both submissions made by the parties, the case diary, and case file, the Court came to the decision to permit the police custody for Khalid for a period of 10 days. It was noted by the Court, that the investigation of the Delhi riots was still ongoing. As the accused is to stay under police custody for the next 10 days, he will be produced before the court on 24th September. 

The court lastly concluded saying that considering the nature of the case and the accused’s involvement and “surface” role in the “conspiracy and participation in Anti-CAA/NPR/NRC protest with the support of numerous radical groups/organizations resulting in riots.” His custodial examination was needed. In accordance with the apprehensions raised by the counsel of Khalid, the Court has directed the DCP to make suitable arrangements for his safety and security during the complete custody period. 

[READ ORDER]