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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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
