Delhi HC rejects Athar Khan’s bail plea in 2020 Delhi Riots larger conspiracy case
The Delhi High Court dismissed the bail plea of Athar Khan, an accused in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A division bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Madhu Jain upheld the earlier trial court order that had denied bail to Khan. The court observed that the circumstances of the case and statements of protected witnesses indicated concerns regarding his release.
Khan had approached the High Court challenging the trial court’s decision and sought bail in the case related to the alleged conspiracy behind the violence that broke out in North-East Delhi in February 2020. The case involves charges under UAPA and other penal provisions.
During the proceedings, the Delhi Police opposed the bail plea, arguing that the allegations against Khan required further judicial consideration and that his release could affect the ongoing proceedings. The court, while rejecting the plea, maintained the earlier order refusing him bail.
The larger conspiracy case relates to the communal violence in North-East Delhi in February 2020, which claimed several lives and left many injured. Investigators have alleged that the violence was part of a wider conspiracy, leading to prosecution of multiple accused under the stringent anti-terror law.
Athar Khan is among several accused booked in the case, which has also seen bail proceedings involving other individuals facing similar charges. The matter will continue before the trial court as the legal proceedings progress.
