Delhi Police Opposes Bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Calls Them ‘Masterminds’ in 2020 Riots Case

New Delhi, August 27, 2026: The Delhi Police has opposed the fresh bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.

In replies filed before the Delhi High Court, the police described the two accused as alleged “masterminds” of the conspiracy. The prosecution also argued that their latest bail proceedings are not legally maintainable.

The police relied on the Supreme Court’s January 5, 2026 order. The top court had declined bail to Khalid and Imam while granting conditional relief to five other accused in the case.

According to the Delhi Police, there has been no significant change in circumstances since the Supreme Court order. It argued that the fresh pleas should therefore not be entertained.

The police said the present bail proceedings were “misconceived and illegal”. It also alleged that the petitions seek to mislead the court by relying on developments that do not alter the earlier legal position.

Delhi Riots Case and UAPA Charges

The case relates to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.

Both Khalid and Imam have remained in custody since 2020. The case has been investigated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other criminal provisions.

The Delhi Police has maintained that the allegations against Khalid and Imam are more serious than those involving several other accused in the case.

In January 2026, the Supreme Court denied bail to the two while allowing five other accused to secure conditional release. The court treated their alleged roles differently from those of the five who received bail.

Fresh Bail Pleas Before Delhi High Court

The latest proceedings follow a July 2026 decision by a Delhi court. The court had dismissed fresh bail applications filed by Khalid and Imam, citing the Supreme Court’s earlier directions.

The two subsequently approached the Delhi High Court against the rejection.

The High Court is now considering the latest legal challenge. The police has asked the court to reject the bail pleas at the threshold.

The matter remains closely watched because both accused have spent several years in custody while the larger conspiracy trial has yet to reach its conclusion.

What Happens Next?

The Delhi High Court will consider the submissions of both sides before deciding the bail applications.

The court’s decision will determine whether Khalid and Imam receive another opportunity to seek release at this stage.

The allegations made by the police are part of the prosecution’s case. They have not, by themselves, established guilt.

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Delhi Police Opposes Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Bail Pleas, Calls Them ‘Masterminds’ in 2020 Riots Case

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Delhi Police opposes fresh bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, calling them alleged masterminds.

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