A Delhi Court today granted bail to Umar Khalid in a Delhi Riots case arising out of the FIR registered at PS Khajuri Khas (State v. Umar Khalid).
The court observed that he cannot be permitted to remain behind bars on the basis of sketchy material against him.
The court also noted that the investigation in the case was complete and chargesheet had also been filed, Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav granted bail after observing that he “cannot be made to incarcerate in jail for infinity merely on account of the fact that other persons who were part of the riotous mob have to be identified and arrested in the matter.
Noting that other co accused persons including Khalid Saifi, Riyasat Ali, Liyakat Ali, Shah Alam and Gulfam have been granted bail, the Court considered it a fit case to grant bail to Khalid on the ground of parity.
Khalid however remains in judicial custody in connection with the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case concerning UAPA charges under FIR 59/2020.
Khalid was granted bail on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs 20,000 with one surety of the like amount.
Amongst other bail conditions, Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav of the Karkardooma Court directed Umar Khalid to install the Aarogya Setu app on his phone upon his release.
The other bail conditions are that Khalid shall not tamper with evidence or influence any witness in any manner and shall maintain peace and harmony in the locality.
Khalid has also been directed to appear before the Court on each and every date of hearing and is also required to furnish his mobile number to SHO, PS Khajuri Khas upon his release from the jail.
As reported by livelaw.com, the present FIR was registered with respect to the violence that broke out at the main Karawal Nagar Road, near Chand Bagh Pulia on February 24, 2020.
It was argued on behalf of Khalid that he was being falsely implicated in the case due to “political vendetta to muzzle the dissent”.
Arguing that Khalid was not present physically at the crime scene on the date of alleged incident, it was also contended that he was neither visible in any CCTV footage/ viral video nor any of the witnesses had specifically named him to be part/member of the riotous mob.
Umar Khalid was arrested by the Delhi Police’s special cell on September 13 for his alleged role in the riots that broke out in northeast neighbourhoods of the national capital in February this year. The FIR against him was filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
