Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that “intellectuals becoming terrorists” pose a greater danger. They argued that activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, among others, are using trial delays to their advantage. The police presented evidence of “inflammatory speeches” and alleged the riots were timed with Donald Trump’s visit to spark nationwide unrest and achieve “regime change.” Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam NEW DELHI: Delhi police on Thursday told the Supreme Court that when intellectuals become terrorists, they become “more dangerous” than those working on the ground. The police made these statements as it strongly opposed the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots.Appearing for Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju argued before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria that the delay in trial was caused by the accused themselves and “they cannot take advantage of it.”Raju played videos in the Supreme Court showing Sharjeel Imam delivering what he called “inflammatory speeches” against the CAA at Chakhand, Jamia, Aligarh and Asansol in 2019–20, ahead of the February 2020 Delhi riots.Further pointing that Imam is an engineering graduate, the advocate said, “Nowadays there is a trend that doctors, engineers are not doing their professions but engaging in anti-national activities.”Delhi Police Alleges 2020 Riots Were Timed With Trump Visit And Aimed To Spark Pan India Unrest”It’s not a simple protest. These are violent protests. They are talking about blockades,” the Additional Solicitor General added. When Justice Kumar asked whether these speeches formed part of the chargesheet, Raju said they did. Arguing that the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act were part of a larger plan, he said, “The ultimate intention is regime change. CAA protests were a red-herring, the real purpose was regime change, economic deprivation and chaos across the country. The riots were deliberately made to coincide with the visit of US President Donald Trump. These so-called intellectuals are more dangerous than the ground-level terrorists.”What is the case?Khalid, Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and Rehman have been charged under the UAPA and provisions of the erstwhile IPC for allegedly being the “masterminds” of the 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence broke out amid nationwide protests against the CAA and the proposed National Register of Citizens.Earlier, strongly opposing the bail pleas, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had submitted that the riots were “not something spontaneous but an orchestrated, pre-planned, and well-designed attack on the sovereignty of the nation.”He argued that the attempt was to “divide society on communal lines” and that it was “not merely an agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh Backs India On Delhi Blast At Security Dialogue As Sheikh Hasina Exile Tensions IntensifyBengaluru Cash Van Robbed Of ₹7 Crore After Fake RBI Officers Trick Staff In A Filmy-Style HeistNSA Ajit Doval Declares Regional Stability And Security India’s Duty At Colombo Security DialogueMarking a Political Milestone, Nitish Kumar Sworn In as Bihar CM for the 10th TimeIndian Navy Sends Strong Signal To Beijing As China Offers Submarines to Pakistan, Assures ReadinessUS Approves Major Arms Deal For India With Javelins And Excalibur To Counter Regional Threats”We Are Done…” Trump Recalls Critical Modi Call That Averted India-Pakistan Nuclear ClashNitish Kumar To Take CM Oath For Record 10th Time At Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, PM Modi To AttendBangladesh To Seek Interpol’s Help To Extradite Sheikh Hasina From India’Fatwa Issued…’: BJP Jabs ‘Indira Nazi Congress’ For Criticising Tharoor Over Modi Speech Praise123PhotostoriesTimeless Divya Bharti films that showcase her unforgettable screen magic5 home remedies for period cramps in teenage girls that parents can tryWhat’s changing at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park? 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NEW DELHI: Delhi police on Thursday told the Supreme Court that when intellectuals become terrorists, they become “more dangerous” than those working on the ground. The police made these statements as it strongly opposed the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots.Appearing for Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju argued before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria that the delay in trial was caused by the accused themselves and “they cannot take advantage of it.”Raju played videos in the Supreme Court showing Sharjeel Imam delivering what he called “inflammatory speeches” against the CAA at Chakhand, Jamia, Aligarh and Asansol in 2019–20, ahead of the February 2020 Delhi riots.Further pointing that Imam is an engineering graduate, the advocate said, “Nowadays there is a trend that doctors, engineers are not doing their professions but engaging in anti-national activities.”
“It’s not a simple protest. These are violent protests. They are talking about blockades,” the Additional Solicitor General added. When Justice Kumar asked whether these speeches formed part of the chargesheet, Raju said they did. Arguing that the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act were part of a larger plan, he said, “The ultimate intention is regime change. CAA protests were a red-herring, the real purpose was regime change, economic deprivation and chaos across the country. The riots were deliberately made to coincide with the visit of US President Donald Trump. These so-called intellectuals are more dangerous than the ground-level terrorists.”
What is the case?
Khalid, Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and Rehman have been charged under the UAPA and provisions of the erstwhile IPC for allegedly being the “masterminds” of the 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence broke out amid nationwide protests against the CAA and the proposed National Register of Citizens.Earlier, strongly opposing the bail pleas, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had submitted that the riots were “not something spontaneous but an orchestrated, pre-planned, and well-designed attack on the sovereignty of the nation.”He argued that the attempt was to “divide society on communal lines” and that it was “not merely an agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.”
