Delhi Riots| "All Attempts Made To Threaten Integrity & Unity Of India, Public At Large Suffered": Prosecution Argues In Bail Hearing

Opposing the bail pleas of several accused in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, the prosecution on Thursday told a Delhi Court that all attempts were made by the accused persons to threaten the integrity and unity of India and that it was the public at large which suffered due to the violence.

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad was opposing the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Meera Haider, Salim Malik, Shahab Ahmed, and Saleem Khan.

Prasad told Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat that due to the violence cause during the riots as a part of the larger conspiracy by the accused, a total of 755 cases were registered and 2,400 people were arrested by the police. 

He also added that there were 53 deaths, 13 gunshot injuries, 6 deaths due to other reasons, 581 MLCs registered, a total of 108 police personnel were injured, while 2 police persons died during the riots.

"Net result is who has really suffered? None of the conspirators has suffered. It is the Public at large which has suffered," Prasad added.

He added that the objective of the accused persons was to cause disruptive chakka jam, to block main roads and highways, followed by attack on police personnel and communal violence.

Prasad also said that there was a damage caused to public as well as private properties by using lethal substances such as petrol bombs, chilli powder etc.

Furthermore, Prasad also argued that there is evidences to show that Tahir Hussain, as a part of terror funding, converted "money from white to black".

Relying on statement of witnesses, Prasad argued that there was a clear utilisation of funds for violence.

"Why I'm mentioning funding aspect. Kindly recall meeting of January 8, JACT movement, Jafrabad and Chandbagh site and the fact that the mind of mobilization that has happened there. Why does he convert white to black? To remove traces," he said.

He added "All money is going to sites. Be it Tahir Hussain, or be it AAJMI in JCC, Meeran Haider in Jamia, all funds are going to sites. Utilisation is there for violence."

Furthermore, on the aspect of UAPA provisions, Prasad argued that all the ingredients in terms of Section 15 of the Act, which defines a terrorist act, was established in the case.

"In this case we have seen that there is death and injuries of persons. We have seen there is loss and destruction of public and private property and also disruption of essential services. We have seen there is use of bomb, firearms and lethal weapons. Therefore usage and object of use, both are completely covered," he argued.

He said "All attempts have been made to threaten the unity, integrity and security and also the question on sovereignty of India has been raised as to how the law is enacted. Sec. 15 is completely made out."

On individual roles, Prasad argued that Meeran Haider was clearly seen covering up and building a narrative after violence and that there were specific allegations against him in the statements of witnesses recorded under sec. 161 and 164 CrPC.

"Then Saleem Khan, there is material against him, he is seen breaking the camera, specifically seen in meeting of 16th an 17th where decision of chakka jam taken. There is sufficient material against him," Prasad argued.

Qua Umar Khalid, he argued that he was involved in the conspiracy right from December 5, 2019 to his presence in the DPSG group and his connectivity with other accused persons.

"Then Shadab, He is there on 22rd January meeting along with Athar at ISI, Lodhi colony. He is there in meeting of 16th, 17th. He is identified in incident of FIR 60…. Saleem Malik, he is in touch with Suleman Siddiqui who is PO. He is accused in FIR 60, present in meeting of 16 and 17th. He was co decision maker in the Chakka Jam of 23rd February at Chandbagh," Prasad said.

Regarding Khalid Saifi, Prasad argued that he was touch in with Umar Khalid and Nadeem Khan and was instrumental in setting up Khureji protest site and that he was also a part of DPSG group.

"He received funds during relevant period from individuals and NRIs in NGO account. There are statements of recieving funds from Ishrat Jahan for buying weapon and other statements," he argued.

Closing his arguments, Prasad however said that he will file written submissions on the individual role of Sharjeel Imam.

The matter will now he heard on Monday.

Yesterday, Prasad had argued that the protest sites were inorganically raised without the involvement of locals. He had attributed the role of the members of the DPSG Group in inciting violence, deflecting the CCTV cameras and erasing evidence.

Delhi Riots | Protest Sites Raised Inorganically, CCTVs Disconnected & Attempts To Clear Evidence: Prosecution Argues In Bail Hearing