[Delhi Riots] Delhi Court discharges Umar Khalid in 2020 rioting-related case; to remain in custody for UAPA case

Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Saturday discharged Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi in a Delhi Riots case arising out of the FIR registered at PS Khajuri Khas [State v. Mohd. Tahir Hussain & Ors].Judge Pulastya Pramachala, discharged five accused persons namely Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, Jagar Khan, Mohd. Illiyas and Tariq Moin Rizvi in the FIR number 101/2020, whereby they were booked for the offence of rioting, criminal conspiracy and other offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).The judge directed them to furnish bond of ₹10,000 with one surety."Accused Tariq Moin Rizvi, Jagar Khan, Mohd. Illiyas, Khalid Saifi and Umar Khalid are directed to furnish bond u/s. 437-A Cr.P.C. in the sum of Rs.10,000/- with one surety in the like amount.".The present first information report (FIR) was registered with respect to the violence that broke out at the main Karawal Nagar Road, near Chand Bagh Pulia on February 24, 2020.The case concerns the rioting which took place around the house of main accused Tahir Hussain..In the present case, Khalid was granted bail on April 15, 2021.Khalid, through his counsel, argued that he was falsely implicated in the matter by the investigating agency on account of “political vendetta to muzzle the dissent”.It was submitted that neither was he present at the scene of crime on the date of the incident nor was there material on record to show that any meeting took place between Tahir Hussain and him.The prosecution, on the other hand, claimed that the “common object” of the accused persons was to cause maximum damage to the persons and property(ies) of other community. Since co-accused persons in the matter were very well known to Khalid, there was quick “meeting of minds” in the case, it was added.The Court after considering the arguments discharged Khalid and four others. .However, main accused Tahir Hussain and ten others will be tried for the offence of rioting, criminal conspiracy and other offences under IPC. "Accused persons namely Tahir Hussain, Liyakat Ali, Riyasat Ali, Shah Alam, Mohd. Shadab, Mohd. Abid, Rashid Saifi, Gulfam @ VIP, Arshad Qayyum, Irshad Ahmad and Mohd. Rihan @ Arshad Pradhan are found liable to be tried for offences punishable u/s 120B IPC r/with Sections 147, 148, 188, 153A, 323, 395, 435, 436, 454 IPC," the Court ordered..Judge has fixed December 17, for framing of charge and admission denial of documents."Put up for framing of charge and admission denial of documents on 17.12.2022. Issue production warrant for accused Mohd. Tahir Hussain, Khalid Saifi and Umar Khalid, for next date," said order..[Read Order]