2020 Delhi Riots: Court Discharges Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi In Stone Pelting, Arson Incident

A court discharged former JNU student Umar Khalid and United Against Hate founder Khalid Saifi in a case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

The FIR in the case was registered on the basis of the statement of Constable Sangram Singh who said a riotous mob had pelted stones on Main Karawal Nagar Road, besides setting ablaze several vehicles in a nearby parking lot on 24 February 2020. 

Special Public Prosecutor Madhukar Pandey confirmed that Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi were discharged in the matter by the court of Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala.

A detailed order in the matter is awaited.

Umar Khalid is accused in several other cases and facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He was arrested back in September 2020 for offences including criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly and various provisions of the UAPA. He is in jail since 2020.

The Karawal Nagar police station had registered an FIR against both accused along with others under various provisions of the IPC, including rioting and criminal conspiracy along with the sections of the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Property Act.

The investigation of the case was later transferred to the Crime Branch.