Delhi Riots ‘Larger Conspiracy’ Case: SC to Hear Police Arguments on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Today

New Delhi, Nov 18 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday will continue hearing bail petitions filed by student leaders and activists booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 North-East Delhi violence, which authorities describe as part of a “larger conspiracy.”

Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, Sharjeel Imam, and several others remain in custody in the case. A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria is scheduled to hear the next round of submissions from the Delhi Police. The agency has already filed a detailed counter affidavit opposing the bail of Khalid and Imam.

In its affidavit, the Delhi Police alleged that Khalid, Imam, and their associates carefully planned and executed unrest during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. Investigators cited evidence, including call records, chat messages, and witness statements, pointing to Khalid as a central figure in orchestrating the events.

The police described Khalid as a “mentor” to many young activists, helping coordinate protest sites, messaging, and mobilisation efforts. Sharjeel Imam is said to have acted under Khalid’s guidance, playing a key role in the initial phase of unrest in December 2019.

Authorities also alleged that the conspiracy was timed to coincide with then-US President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February 2020, aiming to draw international attention and portray the CAA as a targeted attack on Muslims. “This was done to draw the attention of ‘international media’ and to make the issue of CAA a global issue by portraying it as an act of pogrom against the Muslim community,” the affidavit stated.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had rejected bail applications for Khalid, Imam, and several co-accused, noting that their alleged roles as conspirators required thorough examination during trial.