Delhi riots: Bail denied to Jamia student

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Tuesday refused to grant bail to Jamia Millia Islamia student and activist Meeran Haider, one of the peoplw accused of instigating the north-east Delhi riots, saying that accusations against him are prima facie true.

“On the perusal of the charge sheet and accompanying documents, for the limited purpose of the bail, I am of the opinion that allegations against the accused Meeran Haider are prima facie true,” additional sessions judge

Amitabh Rawat said, while denying Haider relief.

The counsel for Haider had argued that even if the allegations are accepted at face value, the accused deserves to be released on bail, both on general bail considerations as well as additional considerations attracted by invocation of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The court, however, said that Haider’s works on sociopolitical issues and his qualifications are not relevant to his bail application, adding that bail must be decided on the basis of the facts mentioned in the charge sheet.

The judge also said that in a case of a conspiracy, it is not necessary that every accused should be present on the spot.

Meeran was arrested on April 1, 2020, and the role ascribed to him included a collection of money for use in the riots.

Besides Haider, the police had also charge-sheeted various other persons.

The police claimed that a large number of students, ex-students, and other members of a particular community participated in anti-caa(citizenship Amendment Act) rallies and hatched a common conspiracy by calling for a march, leading a mob, and instigating communal feelings.

I am of the opinion that allegations against the accused Meeran Haider are prima facie true. AMITABH RAWAT,

Additional sessions judge