Scrutiny Deepens: Delhi Riots Case Plagued by Alarming Delays in Witness Statements Against Umar Khalid

In a significant and concerning development in the ongoing investigation into the 2020 Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case, startling details have emerged regarding the recording of crucial witness statements. It has come to light that the Delhi Police reportedly recorded the statements of protected witnesses, designated as public witnesses, several months after the arrest of activist Umar Khalid, sparking intense debate and raising serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the investigative process.

Umar Khalid, a prominent figure in the anti-CAA protests and a former JNU student, was arrested in September 2020.

However, court records now indicate that the statements of certain key witnesses under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) – which carries more weight as they are recorded before a magistrate – were only obtained much later, in early 2021. This substantial time gap between arrest and the formal recording of crucial evidence has ignited a storm of controversy, with Khalid's legal team vehemently alleging coercion and manipulation.

During recent court proceedings, Khalid's counsel powerfully argued that this delay is not merely procedural but deeply suspicious.

They contended that such a significant lapse in time provided an opportunity for investigators to influence witnesses, potentially leading to statements that were not spontaneous or truthful. The defense painted a grim picture of witnesses being held captive to the police narrative, subjected to pressure, and eventually coerced into making statements that align with the prosecution's theory, rather than their initial, unvarnished accounts.

These allegations suggest a deliberate attempt to fabricate or tailor evidence to strengthen the case against Khalid, undermining the very foundation of a fair trial.

Adding to the complexity, the court itself has taken note of these discrepancies. While acknowledging the police's standard defense that investigations are often complex and time-consuming, the judiciary has expressed concerns about the implications of such significant delays on the credibility of the evidence.

The observations from the bench underscore the serious nature of these claims, highlighting the need for absolute transparency and adherence to due process in cases of this magnitude, especially when they involve charges of conspiracy in communal violence.

For its part, the Delhi Police has consistently refuted all allegations of impropriety.

They maintain that all investigative procedures were followed diligently and within the bounds of the law. Police officials have argued that delays are sometimes inherent in large-scale, intricate investigations involving numerous individuals and complex evidence. They assert that the statements were recorded as per legal requirements and that the witnesses were not subjected to any undue pressure or coercion, dismissing the defense's claims as mere attempts to derail the prosecution.

This latest revelation casts a long shadow over the already contentious 2020 Delhi riots case, which has seen several activists and students implicated under stringent anti-terror laws.

The alleged delay in recording vital witness statements, coupled with the serious accusations of coercion, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies surrounding high-profile legal battles in India. As the case continues to unfold, the spotlight remains firmly on the integrity of the investigation and the unwavering pursuit of justice for all involved.