Umar Khalid, a former student activist from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has been imprisoned for over four years without bail or trial under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Khalid first came to public attention in 2016 when he, along with four other students, was charged with sedition for organizing a protest at JNU in 2013 against the hanging of Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri man convicted of involvement in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
What is the Latest Case Against Umar Khalid?
In September 2020, Khalid was arrested under UAPA and accused of being a “key conspirator” in the Delhi riots of February 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 53 people, most of whom were Muslims. The riots took place during protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which critics say discriminates based on religion. Khalid, along with other activists, has consistently denied the charges, asserting that he only participated in peaceful protests.
Despite his claims, Khalid has been repeatedly denied bail, and his trial has yet to start. The delays are attributed to various factors, including absences of lawyers and changes in the judicial bench. The charges against him have not been formally filed in court, and his defense lawyer, Kapil Sibal, has argued that the case against him lacks substantial evidence.
Umar Khalid’s Life in Jail
In prison, Khalid spends his time reading extensively, writing legal applications for fellow inmates, and watching cricket on television. He has been working on a prison diary, and publishers have expressed interest in his writings. Khalid’s routine includes regular 20-minute video calls with his family, and his friends are allowed to visit for 30 minutes.
Recently, Khalid was granted a one-week bail to attend his sister’s wedding. His long-time partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, frequently visits him and brings him books. Khalid has reportedly read nearly 200 books during his time in jail, including works by Paul Lynch, William Styron, Saadat Hasan Manto, and Mirza Ghalib.
Khalid shares his ward with convicted criminals, including murderers, which he often reflects on, questioning why he has been placed in such an environment. His situation highlights the impact of the UAPA, which has been criticized for making bail difficult and leading to prolonged detentions without trial.