The bail hearing of Umar Khalid unleashed a storm on 9th April 2024. The Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad in Delhi Karkardooma Court presented his scathing arguments. Reports state that he aptly showcased Kahlid’s role in the conspiracy and ‘toolkit’ orchestration of the 2020 Delhi Riots. WhatsApp conversations between Khalid and a star-studded list of individuals were read out loud. They highlighted Khalid’s manipulation of social media and news media fake narratives in his favor.
Reports show how the prosecutor stated that the accused is connected enough to incite and orchestrate a riot. Therefore, he states that Khalid’s bail will grant him freedom to potentially influence the judicial process and exploit public opinion. Let’s unpack all that was reported from the courtroom!
Umar Khalid’s Manipulative Tactics Revealed
The Umar Khalid bail hearing continued today. The prosecution will be arguing against the bail petition. Follow this 🧵
Last hearing updates: https://t.co/2F4FbbjbwH
— Nupur J Sharma (@UnSubtleDesi) April 9, 2024
Umar Khalid’s defense lawyer spoke of the delay in bail and the release of others as his shield and argument in the bail plea. Unfortunately for the defense, the HC itself had stated that the release of Devangana, Natasha, and Asif should not be treated as a precedent for all others arrested in this or similar cases. Adding insult to injury, the public prosecutor presented many WhatsApp messages between Khalid and the media that showcase his aptitude in narrative management.
The Public Prosecutor clearly stated that if this accused goes out on bail, he would be able to access many ‘toolkits’ resources.
These resources will try to influence the public sentiments in Khalid’s favor. Thus, while the defense harps on about Vernon Judgement, the prosecutor presents Khalid as a social media mastermind who should not have access to media or resources that may result in riots once more.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani’s Role In Bail Plea of Umar Khalid
The public prosecutor played a key piece of evidence during the bail hearing. This was ‘The Wire’ interview of Umar Khalid’s father SQR Ilyas by Arfa Khanum Sherwani on 17th February 2024. The interview itself is a controversial piece of media that is carefully crafted to sway public opinion in Khalid’s favor. It also subtly casts doubt on the fairness of the legal proceedings in the case.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani starts with a biased tone by portraying Umar Khalid as a victim of injustice. However, she conveniently ignores or omits the crucial facts that have kept Umar Khalid in jail for many years. His father, Ilyas, insinuates that the SC has repeatedly adjourned Khalid’s bail hearings.
However, Khalid’s defense itself has requested adjournment 7 out of 14 times!
This deliberate distortion of facts by Arfa and Khalid’s father seems like a pressure tactic to force the lower courts to grant Khalid’s bail.
Further, SQR Ilyas gave his version of the truth that only a speech has caused him to be in jail for years without a chance at bail! However, this misleading claim is a deliberate attempt to downplay his role in orchestrating the anti-Hindu 2020 Delhi Riots and his active management of media narratives! Contrary to Ilyas’s claims, solid evidence points to Umar Khalid’s involvement in orchestrating the riots. Add this to SQR Ilyas’ former SIMI background and you have a recipe for disaster! Yet, Arfa and SQR Ilyas showcased an interview to defame the judiciary and peddle falsehoods to mislead the public!
Toolkit Activation – The Role of Stars And Activists
Reports state that prosecution also unveiled Khalid’s pattern of orchestrating media and social media fake narratives. Chat records and Call Data Records show his interactions with prominent stars and media figures. WhatsApp chats exposed Khalid’s correspondence with Swara Bhaskar, Pooja Bhatt, and Sushant Singh. Reports state that these chats discuss how to amplify specific reports and hashtags to incite the public and spread Khalid’s false narratives! Additionally, reports imply that a coordinated effort using ‘Stars’ and ‘Starlets’ was an important aspect of influencing public opinion and discourse.
Furthermore, Umar Khalid’s chat interactions extended to activists like Yogendra Yadav and Jignesh Mevani. These ‘toolkit’ activists were reportedly enlisted to share articles and posts advocating Khalid’s cause. Chat by chat, the prosecution painted a clear picture of Khalid’s manipulation of the news media and social media platforms to garner support, amplify his narrative, and ultimately cause the 2020 Delhi Riots.
In Summary
The prosecutor named The Wire, The Quint, AltNews Media, and many other media houses during his statements on Misinformation campaigns.
Thereby, showcasing the danger of letting Umar Khalid out of jail on bail. While the defense relied on legal jargon, the prosecution unmasked Khalid’s expertise in manipulative media tactics. Khalid’s release on bail would harm the path of justice, as stated by the public prosecutor. The bail plea is still being heard in the courts which stand adjourned till the 19th April 20024.
While Bharat awaits the verdict, the prosecutor has effectively snatched the masks off many known ‘presstitutes’ and ‘peaceful’ seculars like Swara Bhaskar! Even Arfa Khaum Sherwani’s duplicity was revealed by the public prosecutor! Let’s pray that Khalid’s team and their deceitful attempts to subvert justice are negated. Moreover, may Bharat’s courts be able to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality in the anti-Hindu 2020 Delhi Riots case.