Thread by @LawBeatInd

BREAKING: Md. Saleem Khan, accused in the Delhi Riots larger conspiracy case denied bail by a Delhi Court

BREAKING: Refusing bail to Saleem Khan the Court has noted that Khan was one of organizers of the Chand Bagh protest site where inflammatory speeches were given - a fact which is supported by witness statements.

#DelhiRiots

After examining the contents of the chargesheet, the Court has held that "There was a premeditated conspiracy of the disruptive chakka jam and a pre-planned protest at 23 sites in Delhi.."

#DelhiRiots

The Court has said that there was intentional blocking of roads with the "target to block roads at mixed population areas and to encircle the entire area completely stopping entry and exit of citizens living there.." #DelhiRiots

The Court applied S. 18 - Punishment for conspiracy, etc - "Whoever conspires or attempts to commit, or advocates, abets, advises or incites, directly or knowingly facilitates the commission of, a terrorist act or any act preparatory to the commission of a terrorist act..."

It held that, "The target was to...encircle the entire area completely stopping the entry and exit of citizens...and then creating panic to attack on police personnel by women protesters in front only followed by other ordinary people and engulfing the area into a riot..."

The Court held that this would fall within the definition of a "terrorist act".

#DelhiRiots

It added that "weapons used, manner of attack and the destruction caused shows it to be preplanned."

#DelhiRiots

The Court said, "Acts which threaten the unity and integrity of India and causes friction in communal harmony and creates terror in any section of the people, by making them feel surrounded resulting in violence, is also a terrorist act." #DelhiRiots

Perusing CCTV footages, the Court held, "The footages filed by the prosecution does show a concerted and premeditated effort of mobilization of rioters who are armed and who ultimately blocked the Main Wazirabad road and attacked police personnel in the most brutal manner."

On Saleem's role, the Court noted a witness' statement that in Chand Bagh around Jan 15, 2020 when protest against CAA-NRC started near his house, Saleem Khan was one of those who started it. The witness also saw Councilor Tahir   Hussain visiting to give money for the same.

Giving money to run the protests, Hussain used to allegedly say, "This money will come to the help of our kaum," the Court noted.

The Court cited another witness' statement wherein he said that they used to provoke people on the basis of religion against the government. #DelhiRiots

According to the witness, "The content of speeches would inter alia be that
government will have to be compelled to withdraw CAA/NRC and for this,
Kl violence and chakka­jam has to be used."

The Court highlighted that "in the instance, the DCP (Shahdara), ACP, Gokul Puri, and HC Ratan Lal were attacked on the Main Wazirabad Road." HC Rattan Lal was killed and others were seriously injured.

Saleem Khan was identified as one among those present there for violence and where violence was used on policemen and common people.

#DelhiRiots

Saleem Khan alongwith 2 others was found to say in his speeches that the "Central Govt is a govt if Hindus and against Muslims. Till the time Govt Officers and Kaafirs are not killed, this govt will not take back CAA/NRC."
#DelhiRiots

Khan was found to be in the mob on Feb 24, 2020, which had stones, dandas, swords and rods with them.

Court has said that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusations against the accused Mohd. Saleem Khan are prima facie true.
#DelhiRiots