Police claims educated professionals turning to anti-national activities
A significant and startling observation was made in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding the involvement of highly educated individuals in crimes against the state. While arguing against the release of accused student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, the Delhi Police suggested a worrying trend where professionals—specifically doctors and engineers—are deviating from their careers to actively participate in "anti-national activities."
This submission was placed before a bench comprising Justices N V Anjaria and Aravind Kumar by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju. The arguments were part of the ongoing Delhi Riots Bail Hearing, where the court is examining the alleged larger conspiracy behind the communal violence that rocked North East Delhi in February 2020.
Prosecution Claims "Choreographed" Violence
To substantiate the claims of a deep-rooted conspiracy, the prosecution displayed video footage purportedly showing Sharjeel Imam delivering inflammatory speeches specifically targeting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Previously, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had strongly argued that the 2020 violence was far from spontaneous. He described the incident as a "well-designed, well-orchestrated, and preplanned" attack on India's sovereignty, intended to fracture society along communal lines.
Defense Highlights Discrepancies
Conversely, the defense has rigorously challenged the narrative of a "mastermind" conspiracy. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Umar Khalid, had earlier pointed out significant gaps in the police's logic. Sibal noted that despite 751 FIRs being registered in connection with the riots, Khalid was named in only one.
The defense further argued that Khalid was not even physically present in the national capital when the riots broke out. Furthermore, Sibal emphasized that no incriminating materials, weapons, or arms were ever recovered from Khalid or at his instance.
Current Status of the Accused
The current proceedings involve nine accused individuals—including Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider—who have moved the Supreme Court for relief. They approached the apex court after the Delhi High Court rejected their bail pleas on September 2.
It is worth noting that not all accused in related cases remain incarcerated. Activists Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, and Asif Iqbal Tanha secured bail from the High Court in June 2021, while former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan was granted relief in March 2022. Khalid has been in custody since September 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
