New Delhi: Criticising Delhi police for its "non-application of mind" while chargesheeting, a Delhi Court on Wednesday granted bail to United Against Hate founder and social activist Khalid Saifi in connection with a case pertaining to widespread violence in Delhi's North-East area in February on a condition that he maintains peace and harmony in the locality.
The activist will, however, remain behind the bars in connection with another FIR lodged against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The case pertains to setting vehicles, lying parked near Chand Bagh Pulia in North East Delhi on fire allegedly by a riotous mob. Saifi was arrested in this case on June 6. He was earlier arrested on February 26 in a case registered at Jagatpuri police station in relation to the violence.
Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav of Karkardooma Court on Wednesday observed that the sole evidence of the allegation against the accused was a statement of a prosecution witness who stated that on February 27 he saw Khalid Saifi and Umar Khalid going into same building outside of which he was standing.
Today Khalid saifi has been granted bail in FIR 101/2020 PS : Khajuri by the Court of ASJ , Karkardooma Courts .
— Khalid Saifi (@KSaifi) November 4, 2020
Thank you all for your support .#releasekhalidsaifi #releaseallpoliticalprisoners pic.twitter.com/tPnrEmdYrZ
The court on Wednesday criticised the police for chargesheeting the accused in this case on the basis of such an insignificant material.
"In my humble opinion, chargesheeting the applicant in this case on the basis of such an insignificant material is total non-application of mind by the police which goes to the extent of vindictiveness"
The court said, "The investigation in the matter is complete and chargesheet has already been filed. The trial in the matter is likely to take a long time. The applicant cannot be made to incarcerate in jail for infinity merely on account of the fact that other persons who were part of the riotous mob have to be identified and arrested in the matter."
The court also directed the accused to furnish a personal bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety of like amount, give his mobile number to the station house officer and install the Aarogya Setu App.
Saifi has also been asked not to tamper with the evidence or influence any witness in any manner and he shall maintain peace and harmony in the locality.