'Kingpin Of Larger Conspiracy': Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Sharjeel Imam And Asif Tanha In 2019 Anti-CAA Violence Case

A Delhi court on 7 March, framed charges against former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Sharjeel Imam and former Jamia Millia Islamia student Asif Iqbal Tanha.

This was in connection with the violent protest that broke out in the city’s New Friends Colony area in December 2019, against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), reported Indian Express.

Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh of Saket Court, in his order stated: “Accused Sharjeel Imam was not only an instigator, he was also one of the kingpins of a larger conspiracy to incite violence.”

The two were charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those relating to abetment, criminal conspiracy, rioting with a deadly weapon, and unlawful assembly, as well as provisions under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The charge sheet filed by the Delhi Police noted that a mob of hundreds had vandalised and set ablaze 41 vehicles, including government property, during the protest on 15 December 2019.

10 police officials were injured in the violence, including a Station House Officer (SHO) who suffered grievous injuries.

The court observed, “Why, otherwise, accused Sharjeel Imam incited only the members of Muslim religion to disrupt the normal functioning of the society.”

It further added: “It needs to be observed here that there could be nothing peaceful about a chakka jaam... Chakka jaam can potentially lead to deterioration of their condition or even death if they do not receive medical care in time, which would be nothing short of culpable homicide.”

“Even if the mob does not indulge in violence and arsony while enforcing chakka jaam, it would still be a violent act by one section of society against the other,” the court said.

Imam argued that he was not part of the unlawful assembly and that his speech did not promote enmity, hatred, or disharmony.

While 14 individuals were discharged, charges were formally framed against nine, including Imam and Tanha.