[Delhi Riots] Shaheen Bagh Not An Independent Movement, Protest Sites Planned In Close Proximity To Masjids: Prosecution Tells High Court

Opposing the bail plea of Student Activist Umar Khalid in Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, the prosecution on Tuesday told Delhi High Court that the 24x7 sit in protest sites were planned and organised and were situated in close proximity to masjids.

"I will demonstrate from their own chats that how they are saying that bring in more Hindus so that it looks like secularism," Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad argued while emphasising that a secular color was given to the protests.

Prasad also argued that Shaheen Bagh protest was not an independent movement and was not driven by women protestors.

A special bench comprising of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar was hearing the appeal filed by Umar Khalid challenging the Trial Court's order refusing him bail in the matter.

Prasad argued that every spot and protest site during the riots had legal support teams, coordination of which was being done through whatsapp group namely DPSG.

"Every time some police action is taken, immediately lawyers are sent. Support is given," he argued.

He added "Locals didn't support. There were people who were transported from sites. And I'll show from statement of witnesses, how people were transported."

Prasad also argued that the 24x7 sit in protests had speakers and performers as a "source of entertainment" so that such sites are able to sustain.

"Every sitting protest had speakers, performers who would go to these sites, so that they can hold the protesters together and keep them there," he said.

He added,

"All protest sites are in proximity to masjids. Then they (those allegedly involved in planning riots) say 'our only concern is 24x7 protest sites are in muslim dominated areas, it will help BJP to build narrative'...Then you bring in the Government saying narrative."

The matter will now be heard on Thursday at 2:15 PM.

Umar Khalid was denied bail by city's Karkardooma Court on March 24. He was arrested on 13 September, 2020 and has been under custody since.

Previously, prosecution had argued that the speeches made by various accused persons in the FIR had a 'common factor', essence of which was to create a sense of fear in the Muslim population of the country.

Specific reference was made to the speeches made by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and Khalid Saifi to argue that they were all connected with each other at the relevant time as a part of conspiracy to commit 2020 riots.

Case Title: Umar Khalid v. State & other connected matters