Likely To Spread Misinformation On Social Media, May Cause Unrest In Society: Delhi Police Opposes Umar Khalid's Interim Bail Plea

Opposing the interim bail application moved by activist Umar Khalid, the Delhi Police has claimed that he is "likely to spread misinformation by use of social media" during his release and is also "likely to cause unrest in the society."

The police have made the submission in response to Khalid's plea seeking interim bail for a period of two weeks to enable him attend his sister's marriage function, which is scheduled next month.

Khalid has been in custody since September 2020 in the case alleging a larger conspiracy behind North East Delhi riots of 2020. The case being probed by the Special Cell invokes various charges under different provisions of Indian Penal Code as well as the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 against the accused.

Confirming the fact regarding the scheduled marriage of Khalid's sister, the police said, "despite the verification of the fact of solemnisation of marriage, the interim bail of applicant/accused is strongly opposed as he is facing very serious charges including under UAPA ..."

Stating that Khalid's parents are capable of making all necessary arrangements as his mother is running a boutique and father is heading a political party, the Delhi Police said:

"The release of applicant is further opposed as he is very likely to spread misinformation by use of social media during his interim bail period which cannot be prevented and is likely to cause unrest in the society. He may also influence witnesses."

While the matter was listed today before Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat of Karkardooma Courts, the same could not be heard due to non availability of the special public prosecutor. The matter will now be heard on November 29.

Khalid was denied bail by a special bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar on October 18.

While denying him bail, the High Court observed that Khalid's name finds a recurring mention from the beginning of the conspiracy behind the 2020 protests till the culmination of ensuing riots.

The court also noted that Khalid was a member of WhatsApp groups like DPSG and Muslim students of JNU and had also participated in various meetings, wherein the alleged conspiracy to commit the riots took place.

The bench had further said that the allegations against Khalid are prima facie true, clarifying that the observations in the order are only for the limited purpose of bail.