Delhi Police: Umar Khalid shared false narrative.
Khalid, along with several others, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following their booking by the authorities.
In the ongoing legal proceedings related to the 2020 Delhi riots case, the Delhi Police presented their arguments against the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid on Tuesday. The police asserted that Khalid had actively propagated a false narrative in his favor through social media channels.
Umar Khalid stands accused in the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi communal riots, with charges lodged against him under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad laid out the prosecution’s case against Khalid. Prasad revealed that analysis of Khalid’s mobile phone data indicated that he had been in communication with various individuals, including actors, politicians, activists, and celebrities. Khalid allegedly shared links from certain news portals with these individuals, urging them to disseminate the content on their social media platforms to promote a specific narrative.
The prosecution claimed that Khalid’s intention was to amplify his version of events as part of a broader conspiracy. By engaging with individuals possessing substantial social media followings, Khalid sought to ensure that his narrative gained traction and wider visibility.
The revelation of Khalid’s alleged coordination with these individuals sheds light on the intricacies of modern-day communication strategies, particularly in the realm of social media advocacy. The use of social media platforms to shape public opinion and influence discourse has become a significant aspect of contemporary legal investigations.
The prosecution further emphasized the potential impact of Khalid’s actions, highlighting the reach and influence of the individuals with whom he communicated. By leveraging their social media presence, Khalid allegedly aimed to create a narrative that suited his interests and objectives.
This development underscores the evolving nature of evidence collection in cases involving digital communication. Mobile phone data analysis and scrutiny of social media interactions have become crucial tools for law enforcement agencies in uncovering potential conspiracies and establishing chains of communication.
As the legal battle continues, the court will weigh these arguments against Khalid’s bail plea, considering the gravity of the allegations and the evidence presented. The case highlights the complexities of investigating and prosecuting cases involving alleged communal violence and the role of social media in shaping public perceptions.
For Umar Khalid, the assertions made by the Delhi Police present a formidable challenge to his defense. The court’s eventual decision on his bail plea will have significant implications, not only for Khalid personally but also for the broader discourse surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots and the alleged conspiracy behind them.
During the court proceedings, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) played a video clip where Umar Khalid’s father was being interviewed by a news portal. The SPP highlighted the statements made by Khalid’s father during the interview, indicating a lack of faith in the Supreme Court.
In the video, Khalid’s father reportedly stated that they did not have trust in the Supreme Court and, as a result, had approached the trial court. The SPP emphasized that these statements were indicative of Khalid’s attempts to shape a narrative in his favor.
The prosecution further revealed that Khalid had allegedly requested members of a WhatsApp group to organize protests following a specific proceeding in the Supreme Court. By coordinating such activities, Khalid purportedly sought to influence public perception and garner support for his cause.
These revelations provide insights into Khalid’s alleged efforts to manipulate the narrative surrounding his case. The statements attributed to his father, expressing distrust in the Supreme Court, suggest a deliberate strategy to steer the legal proceedings towards a forum perceived to be more favorable.
Moreover, the call to organize protests after a particular court proceeding indicates Khalid’s proactive approach in mobilizing support and creating a visible presence around his case. The aim, as per the prosecution’s argument, was to project a sense of public backing and legitimacy for his cause.
The prosecution’s use of the video clip and the details about Khalid’s alleged WhatsApp messages shed light on the methods employed by individuals to influence public opinion in today’s digital age. Social media platforms and messaging apps have become powerful tools for disseminating information and rallying support, as evidenced by Khalid’s purported actions.
In the context of the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots case, these revelations add another layer to the prosecution’s case against Khalid. The attempt to create a narrative, sway public opinion, and mobilize protests suggests a concerted effort to influence the course of legal proceedings.
As the court evaluates these arguments, it will consider the evidence presented by the prosecution alongside Khalid’s defense. The video clip and WhatsApp messages serve as crucial pieces of evidence in establishing the alleged conspiracy and Khalid’s role within it.
For Umar Khalid, the unfolding legal battle poses significant challenges. The court’s decision on his bail plea will depend on a careful examination of the facts presented, including the prosecution’s assertions regarding his attempts to manipulate the narrative surrounding the case.
The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) also dismissed Umar Khalid’s plea for parity with other co-accused who have been granted bail. The court has scheduled the matter for Wednesday, allowing Khalid’s counsel to present a rebuttal.
Khalid, along with several others, faces charges under the anti-terror law UAPA and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. They are accused of being the “masterminds” behind the February 2020 riots, which resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries.
These riots erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), marking a tumultuous period of civil unrest and violence in the national capital.