Why were Umar Khalid and Saifi acquitted in a case related to the Delhi riot
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New Delhi: A detailed verdict discharging former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and United Against Hate founder Khalid Saifi in connection with the Northeast Delhi riots case by a Delhi court said that both the persons have been accused in an 'umbrella conspiracy' in the same case under the UAPA act.
Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi were implicated in a case reported by a constable who said he was attacked by a mob when he tried to make himself safe at a local parking lot from the rioters who gathered in the Chandbagh area on February 24, 2020. The mob attacked those who had sought shelter inside the parking lot.
The prosecution linked this singular incident to the larger conspiracy in the connection with the Delhi riot and charged criminal conspiracy against Khalid and Saifi.
The discharge order of both accused by Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramchala said both the accused were implicated in this case because of an umbrella conspiracy (UAPA case) linked with the Delhi riot but not connected with this singular incident.
"Since umbrella conspiracy i.e. larger conspiracy to incite riots in Delhi is an already subject matter of consideration, therefore, these two accused are entitled to discharge in the present case," the court said.
The court had also discharged co-accused Tariq Moin Rizvi, Jagar Khan and Mohd Illiyas. However, Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi would remain in custody until they get bail in the UAPA case.