JNU activist Umar Khalid, who is seeking bail, was part of a conspiracy which had pre-planned the horrific Delhi Riots (February 23-29, 2020) that claimed 53 lives.
This is what Amit Prasad, Special Public Prosecutor, claimed in Delhi Karkardooma Courts today where bail plea of Umar Khalid is being heard.
To substantiate his charge, Prasad presented in the Courts a number of WhatsApp messages exchanged in a group in which Khalid was a part, as were other known alleged instigators such as Khalid’s mentor Sharjeel Imam and Safoora Zargar.
While Imam is still in jail though granted bail in one case, Safoora was granted bail on “humanitarian grounds” due to her advanced pregnancy.
The case against Khalid and others has been built on two “secret meetings”—one at New Seelampur on January 23-24 and the other at Chand Bagh on February 16-17—which the agencies allegedly unearthed over months of investigations.
On Wednesday, the SPP presented quite a few damaging WhatsApp exchanges as well as CCTV footage to substantiate his claim on Khalid’s direct involvement in pre-planning the Delhi Riots.
In one of the WhatsApp chats, there is a message to collect “Dande, Patthar, Lal Mirch, Tezaab” etc. Why a “peaceful protest” would collate such material, argued the SPP.
In one of the meetings, Umar Khalid states that “Sarkar Musalmano ke khilaaf hai, bhashan se kaam nahin chalega, khoon bahana padega.”
Further there is a message: “Aag lagwaane ki poori tayyari hai.”
The SPP claimed that Safoora Zargar, Devangana Kalita and others had the task to mobilise people and women. The Pinjra Tod members mobilised “burqa clad” women who were not locals.
A CCTV footage was presented in the Court which shows how the mob was handed over lathis for the “peaceful protest.” And that there were many videos to suggest of planned mobilisation and people carrying lathis for assault. Incidentally, all cameras in the area had been diverted.
At 4.44 pm, after news of Delhi Jaffrabad maujpur violence broke out suggesting a Constable had died after ensuing violence, Umar Khalid Called Natasha Narwal who is the “incharge” of this site. This is a twelve minute call at 5.02 pm.
Devangana was responsible and “incharge” for Jaffrabad. She calls Umar Khalid though the data from phone was later deleted.
Two related alleged evidences appear very shocking.
Khalid Saifi, in a group WhatsApp chat, says “We must force Arvind Kejriwal to do a press conference and express his helplessness and inaction by Delhi Police.” The prosecutor says it shows the “level of pressure this group can create…”
Then there is a message by “farm leader” Yogendra Yadav where it’s revealed that there was an “attendance sheet” and request for hiring a “private detective” to keep an eye on a girl!
(The above news report is based on a thread by LawBeat on twitter).
