Bengaluru, 27 April  

Karnataka BJP on Monday petitioned Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh to cancel an event supporting activist Umar Khalid.

A delegation of BJP leaders led by Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan met the Commissioner and submitted a memorandum in this regard.

According to sources, the editors of the book "Umar Khalid and His World" will read excerpts from the book on 28 April in Bengaluru, followed by a discussion in which some "historians and intellectuals" are likely to participate.

Khalid is in jail in connection with allegations of conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.

"In Bengaluru city, an event has been organised under the platform "Umar Khalid Prapancha" to express support for Khalid, who is currently under arrest under anti-terrorism laws. Across the country, the Central Government has taken strict action against Naxalites. However, urban Naxal elements are still active and are indirectly supporting anti-national activities," the memorandum alleged.

Further stating that Khalid is facing very serious charges, the memorandum said, the fact that courts have denied him bail for the past three years stands as an indication of his alleged criminal activities.

"Glorifying such an individual would amount to encouraging criminal elements. It is shocking that such an event is being held in our city. It is also a matter of serious concern that pro Umar Khalid slogans and wall writings have already appeared across the city, indicating the spread of such networks," it said.

"In the interest of maintaining peace in the city, we request that the permission granted for this event be withdrawn. If the event proceeds and any law and order situation arise, the BJP will not be responsible for it. We urge you to consider our request in the interest of the city and cancel the event," it added.

The Supreme Court on 20 April dismissed activist Khalid'splea seeking a review of a verdict denying him bail, while observing that there are reasonable grounds to believe the allegations levelled against him in connection with a conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.

There was a prima-facie case against Khalid and Sharjeel Imam (another accused) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the top court had earlier said, noting that prosecution material suggests that they were involved in the "planning, mobilisation and strategic direction" of the riots.

The February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), leaving 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.