Delhi violence: Court dismisses bail plea of Jamia student Safoora Zargar

New Delhi: Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Thursday dismissed the bail plea of Jamia Coordination Committee media coordinator Safoora Zargar in connection with north-east Delhi violence case.

“I do not find merits in the bail application, it is accordingly dismissed,” Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana said. However, the court asked the concerned jail superintendent to provide adequate medical aid and assistance to Zargar. Zargar, an M Phil student of Jamia Millia Islamia University, is more than four months pregnant.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana said that during the course of investigation a larger conspiracy was discernible and if there was prima evidence of conspiracy, acts and statements made by any one of the conspirators, it is admissible against all.

The court said that even if there was no direct act of violence attributable to the accused (Zargar), she cannot shy away from her liability under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

“The acts and inflammatory speeches of the co-conspirators are admissible under the Indian Evidence Act even against the accused,” it said.

It further said that there was prima facie evidence to show there was a conspiracy to at least blockade the roads (chakka jaam).

Delhi Police opposed Zargar’s bail plea

The Special Cell of Delhi Police opposed Zargar’s bail plea saying that she allegedly made an inflammatory speech and was part of the conspiracy to instigate communal violence, which had been planned weeks ago.

The police told the court that the accused people were part of the protests against Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) in various parts of the national capital.

On April 13, the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Zargar, Jamia Coordination Committee media coordinator.

‘Conspiracy’ to incite communal riots in Delhi

The police claimed that she was allegedly part of the “premediated conspiracy” to incite communal riots in northeast Delhi in February.

In the mid of February, the accused had allegedly planned to observe protest in various parts of the north-east area of Delhi. They had also taken part in a protest and blocked road near Jaffrabad Metro station.

However, Zargar’s counsel claimed that she has been falsely implicated in the case and had no role in the alleged criminal conspiracy in the case.

Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control leaving at least 53 people dead and scores injured.

(With ANI inputs)