The Delhi Police on Thursday vehemently opposed the bail plea of Sharjeel Imam in the Supreme Court in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Appearing for the investigating agency, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju argued that the accused and his associates orchestrated a conspiracy aimed at bringing about a “regime change” through violent means.
During the hearing, the ASG made significant observations regarding the involvement of educated individuals in alleged terror activities. He submitted that intellectuals who turn into terrorists pose a greater threat to society than ground-level operatives.
“Intellectuals More Dangerous”
Addressing the court, ASG Raju stated, “Intellectuals, when they become terrorists, are more harmful than ground-level terrorists. Intellectuals who got degrees with state support, who used state funding to become doctors, and then use it for nefarious activities — they are much more dangerous.”
The submission was made while referring to the specific role attributed to Sharjeel Imam in allegedly instigating violence. The ASG further argued that the delay in the trial court proceedings, a ground often cited for bail, has been caused by the accused persons themselves.
Allegations of Inflammatory Speeches and Secession
The ASG played recordings of Sharjeel Imam’s speeches in the apex court to substantiate the claim that they were inflammatory and calculated to provoke specific communities.
Detailing the content of the speeches, ASG Raju told the court, “What does the lead member of this conspiracy say? He does not call it a protest — he calls it a violent protest. He says Assam should be separated from India. He refers to the ‘chicken neck’, the 16 km stretch of land that connects Assam to India. He talks about Kashmir.”
The prosecution argued that Imam attempted to provoke Muslims by referring to sensitive issues. “He talks about the Babri Masjid. Then he speaks about triple talaq and even maligns the court. He says, ‘Court ki naani yaad kara denge.’ So, the ultimate aim is regime change,” the ASG contended.
Background of the Case
Sharjeel Imam, along with former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and others, has been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They are accused of being the “masterminds” behind the February 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, which resulted in the death of 53 people and left over 700 injured.
The violence erupted in the backdrop of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Previously, the Delhi High Court had denied bail to nine accused in the case, including Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. In its order, the High Court had observed that “conspiratorial” violence could not be permitted under the garb of citizen demonstrations or protests. Following the rejection by the High Court, the activists moved the Supreme Court challenging the order.
The matter remains pending further hearing in the Supreme Court.
