[Delhi Riots] Conspirators didn't suffer, public at large did: Prosecution opposes bail of Umar Khalid, others

None of the conspirators, but the public at large suffered as a result of the Delhi Riots, the prosecution argued on Thursday while concluding its response to the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and others in the cases filed against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)..Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad submitted before Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat,“In this case, all attempts have been made to threaten the unity, sovereignty of India. Section 15 (UAPA) is completely made out… Arms and ammunition, petrol bombs, used to cause death and disruption of supplies. Threatening unity, security, sovereignty of India.”.Prasad, who was contesting the bail of Khalid, Meeran Haider, Mohd Saleem Khan, Saleem Malik, Sharjeel Imam, Shadab Ahmed and Khalid Saifi, submitted that their “model” was clear.“Disruptive chakka jam, attack on police, communal violence, damage and destruction of public and private property, chilli powder…” he said..“Net result who has really suffered?...None of conspirators have suffered. Public at large has suffered.”Elaborating on the accused persons' individual roles, the prosecutor said that Haider was responsible for setting up protest sites. “He was there in provocative speeches. (Had) role in funding. After incidents, he is seen covering up and building narrative,” he added..According to Delhi Police, a total of 755 cases were registered following the North-East Delhi violence of February 2020. The violence led to 53 people getting killed and 13 people suffering gunshot wounds. Besides, 108 policemen suffered injuries and two policemen lost their lives. The police arrested around 2,400 persons in connection with the cases..As regards Khan, the prosecution argued that he was seen breaking a CCTV and has been named in the a meeting that resulted in the decision of violence and chakka jam.Khalid was stated to be part of the Delhi Protest Support Group since December 5, 2019, and connected to other accused persons. The prosecutor said he was present in a meeting on January 23, 2020, and prior to that, he had met co-accused Tahir Hussain.“His own speech, which connects to the larger plan,” Prasad said referring to Khalid.Malik was alleged to have been in touch with Suleiman Siddiqui, who is a proclaimed offender. He was also accused of being part of a meeting with other accused persons and a “co-decision maker” in the chakka jam on February 23, 2020 at Chandbagh..Saifi was stated to be a member of United Against Hate and someone was had been in touch with Khalid. He was accused of setting up the Khureji protest site in North-East Delhi.“We have seen his wife was participating and that was a testing model. He is part of DPSG. He received funds during relevant period from individuals and NRIs in NGO's account. There are statements of receiving funds from Ishrat Jahan for buying weapons,” said Prasad.The Court will hear arguments on Imam’s bail on February 7.The rebuttals of other defence counsel will take place thereafter..[Umar Khalid bail plea] Report arguments, don't share screenshots: Delhi Court on media reporting of virtual hearings.[Read a live account of the hearing]