New Delhi: Sharjeel Imam, who was arrested in the 2020 North-East Delhi violence larger conspiracy case, has reached his native village in Bihar after a Delhi court granted him interim bail to attend his cousin’s wedding.
The Karkardooma court granted Imam seven days of interim bail, from October 4 to October 10, allowing him to attend wedding ceremonies of his cousins in Delhi and Bihar. He has been directed to surrender before the jail authorities on the evening of October 10.
Speaking about Imam’s arrival in Bihar, his brother Muzammil said this was only the second occasion in nearly seven years that Sharjeel had been granted bail, Hindustan Times reported.
“He got bail for the second time in seven years. His cousin’s wedding is taking place, and he has been granted bail from October 4 to October 10. It may have come a little late, but we will get justice,” Muzammil was quoted as saying.
Imam has remained in custody in connection with the North-East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, in which he faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other penal provisions.
The case relates to the communal violence that erupted in North-East Delhi in February 2020, in which 53 people were killed and several others were injured.
According to the Delhi High Court’s September 30 judgment, the FIR was initially registered under provisions related to rioting and criminal conspiracy. During the investigation, additional provisions of the Indian Penal Code were added, along with Sections 13, 16, 17 and 18 of the UAPA, provisions of the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The prosecution’s case in the larger conspiracy matter alleges that a criminal conspiracy was planned to trigger widespread riots against the backdrop of protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The allegations against Imam remain contested, and he continues to be an accused in the case. The charges have not resulted in a final conviction.
Imam has sought bail on multiple occasions. On September 30, the Delhi High Court rejected his regular bail plea as well as that of activist Umar Khalid. The court was hearing their appeals against a July 4, 2026, order of the trial court that had rejected their bail applications.
