Families of Anti-CAA activists question selective application of 'bail is the rule' principle
New Delhi: The families of activists imprisoned after the 2020 Delhi riots, including Umar Khalid, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Khalid Saifi, and Athar Khan, have voiced concerns over their prolonged detention. They argue that despite the Supreme Court's assertion that "bail is the rule," the activists continue to remain behind bars.
At a public meeting organized by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (ACPR), Umar Khalid's father, S.Q.R. Ilyas, questioned the impartiality of the judiciary, pointing to the continued incarceration of his son and others. He also raised concerns about the relationship between the executive and judiciary, citing a recent instance where the Chief Justice of India invited the Prime Minister for a publicised religious ceremony.
The families of these activists, who were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with the anti-CAA protests, highlighted their struggles. Farzana Yasmeen, the sister of Meeran Haider, expressed her family's pain but noted that Haider remains proud of raising his voice for justice. Athar Khan's mother, Noor Jehan, also voiced frustration, saying their case had appeared in court 62 times without a hearing.
Khalid Saifi’s wife, Nargis Saifi, highlighted the disparity in the judicial system, pointing out that her husband has been denied bail for over four years, while individuals accused of more severe crimes like rape and corruption have been granted bail.
Several prominent figures, including Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, attended the meeting. Singh criticized the RSS and its influence, arguing that the organization poses a threat to India's democracy and constitution.
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Minor fire breaks out at M S Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, no one injured
Bengaluru (PTI): A minor fire broke out at M S Ramaiah Medical College Hospital at Mathikere here on Thursday, officials said.
Three fire tenders were rushed to the spot, they said.
"A minor fire broke out at the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) on the first floor of the hospital. Four patients who were admitted in the CCU were immediately evacuated and shifted to safety. No patient or staff member was injured in the fire," a senior fire and emergency services department official said.
The fire has been extinguished.
"The patients are safe. All of them have been evacuated. The fire didn’t cause any injuries to anyone. It’s the first time something like this happened and we suspect it must have been due to a short circuit," said a hospital official.
