Five Accused Granted Bail in Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case: Who Are They and What Are the Charges?

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has denied bail to prominent accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the major conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, ruling that there is prima facie evidence of their involvement in the riots. However, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohammad Saleem Khan were granted bail. The court noted that not all accused were in the same position and directed the trial court to expedite proceedings in the case.

Bail Conditions
While granting bail, the Supreme Court imposed 11 stringent conditions. These include restrictions on leaving Delhi without the trial court’s permission, surrendering their passports, and refraining from attending any public gatherings, making speeches, or participating in activities that could disrupt the trial. Bail could be revoked if any of these conditions are violated.

Who Are the Five Accused Granted Bail?

1. Gulfisha Fatima
   Gulfisha Fatima, an MBA graduate from Delhi, was one of the longest-serving female detainees in the case related to the Northeast Delhi violence. She was initially arrested under charges of murder, rioting, unlawful assembly, and sedition. Gulfisha was accused of being an active participant in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and was reportedly involved in meetings where strategies for protests, including torch-lit marches and distributing pamphlets, were discussed. She was granted bail in May 2020 but continued to face legal challenges under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act).
2. Meeran Haider
   Meeran Haider, a former student of Jamia Millia Islamia University from Bihar, was arrested in April 2020. He was previously the Delhi state president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) youth wing. Haider is accused of playing an active role in organizing protests and raising funds for these activities. The prosecution claims that he coordinated efforts with Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in a larger conspiracy behind the riots.
3. Shifa Ur-Rehman
   Hailing from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Shifa Ur-Rehman was the president of the Jamia Alumni Association (AAJMI) at the time of his arrest in April 2020. A graduate of Jamia, he is accused of assisting in organizing protests and blocking roads. Like Haider, he is alleged to have coordinated with other accused in a conspiracy that led to the violent unrest.
4. Mohammad Saleem Khan
   A garment exporter from Chand Bagh in East Delhi, Saleem Khan, aged around 50, is accused of being one of the key organizers of anti-CAA protests at Chand Bagh. He is alleged to have given inflammatory speeches from the protest stage. Additionally, Saleem Khan is accused of attempting to destroy evidence by damaging CCTV cameras, as shown in footage from February 24, 2020.
5. Shadab Ahmed
   Shadab Ahmed, a resident of Jagatpuri in East Delhi, is accused of playing a pivotal role in organizing the protests. A computer science graduate from Bijnor, UP, Shadab was employed as a supervisor at NDS Enterprises before his arrest. He is accused of leading roadblocks (chakka jam), managing the protest stage, and delivering provocative speeches that incited violence against the government.

Conclusion
The court’s decision to grant bail to these five accused highlights the varying levels of involvement in the violence, and the conditions imposed indicate the seriousness of the charges. The case continues to unfold as further evidence and testimonies are examined. The trial court has been instructed to speed up the process, with all eyes now on the next phase of legal proceedings.