Delhi Riots: Delhi Court extends Judicial custody over Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam till November 23

A Delhi Court today extended till November 23, the judicial custody over former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both of whom stand accused of UAPA offences in connection with the 2020 Delhi Riots.

Judge Amitabh Rawat of the Additional Sessions Court at Karkardooma passed the order following a plea moved by the State seeking three more days' judicial custody.

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad appeared for the State. In Imam's case, the 90-day period would expire on November 23, it was noted.

Both Khalid and Imam were produced before the court via video conference from Tihar jail.

Imam's counsel informed the court that an application has also been moved for the return of certain writings made by him, which were earlier confiscated. Imam told the Court that these writings were taken by the duty officers at the prison gates.

Khalid added that certain persons had earlier come looking for Imam's writings in his jail, where Imam was earlier lodged.

The court said that the application would be taken up on November 23, when the case would be taken up next.

The judge also queried whether the issues earlier stated to have been faced by Khalid in jail have now been resolved. Following complaints that Khalid was not being allowed to step out of his cell earlier, the judge had cautioned the prison authorities against such complaints arising in the future.

Khalid today told the court that he is not facing issues, "except for curbing of liberty in this malicious investigation."

Khalid and Imam were arrested by the Delhi Police pursuant to an FIR filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UAPA] in connection with the riots that broke out earlier this year. While Imam was arrested on August 25, Khalid was apprehended on September 13.

It is the prosecution's case that the Delhi riots were part of a premeditated, deep-rooted conspiracy which was hatched by the two and others from various organizations.