JEHANABAD: Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the so‑called “larger conspiracy” case linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, arrived in Jehanabad on interim bail after nearly six years in custody.
Imam, a former JNU scholar and social activist, was granted 10‑day bail by the Supreme Court for attending his brother’s wedding in Jehanabad, Bihar. He is booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in relation to the February 2020 riots, which allegedly followed violent clashes during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Police allege that Imam and several other accused, including Umar Khalid, were part of a pre‑planned conspiracy to disrupt public order through coordinated protests that escalated into violence, leaving 53 dead and over 700 injured. Imams counsel has consistently argued that there is no evidence of any agreement or direct communication between him and the other co‑accused, and that the case largely rests on social‑media and messaging‑app material.
The Supreme Court, while denying him regular bail in January 2026, acknowledged that the material on record discloses a prima facie case under UAPA, particularly highlighting his alleged “central” role in the conspiracy. Five other co‑accused were, however, granted bail with strict conditions.
Imam is expected to return to jail in Delhi once the 10‑day bail period ends, after which the trial and bail proceedings in the larger conspiracy case will continue.
