Delhi Police Accuses Umar Khalid of Amplifying False Narrative Through Social Media

The Delhi Police presented arguments in court accusing former JNU student, Umar Khalid, of amplifying a false narrative through social media platforms. Khalid, who is embroiled in the 2020 Delhi riots case, has been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

During the bail plea hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad revealed that Khalid’s mobile data showed communications with various actors, politicians, activists, and celebrities. Khalid allegedly urged them to share specific links from news portals to distort the narrative against the Delhi Police.

The prosecution highlighted Khalid’s interactions with influential individuals with significant social media followings, including Congress leader Jignesh Mewani, actors like Pooja Bhatt, Swara Bhasker, and Sushant Singh, as well as activist Yogendra Yadav. He was also allegedly in close contact with news outlets such as The Wire and Alt News.

Prasad played a video clip in court showing Khalid’s father being interviewed by a news portal, where he expressed a lack of faith in the Supreme Court. This, according to the prosecution, was a strategic move by Khalid to shape a favorable narrative.

Furthermore, the prosecutor mentioned that Khalid had coordinated protests through a WhatsApp group following specific court proceedings, suggesting a calculated orchestration of events. The defense’s plea for similarity with other co-accused who were granted bail was also dismissed by the prosecution.

Umar Khalid and several others are facing charges under UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly orchestrating the 2020 northeast Delhi communal riots, which resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries. The riots erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).