"Founder of 'United Against Hate', Khalid Saifi has approached the Delhi High Court against the invocation of the charge of attempt to murder against him in the case related the communal riots that took place in the city in February 2020. Saifi's lawyer argued that the charge cannot be framed as he was not in possession of any weapon and the alleged gunshot cannot be attributed to him. However, the court has stated that there is evidence of Saifi's presence and provocation at the incident site, making it difficult to entertain his plea."
Delhi Riots: Khalid Saifi Challenges Attempt to Murder Charge
On February 24, 2023, Khalid Saifi, founder of the 'United Against Hate' group, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the addition of an attempt to murder charge against him in the Delhi riots case of February 2020.
Background
The Delhi riots erupted in February 2020 over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a controversial law that grants citizenship to illegal immigrants from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims. The violence resulted in the deaths of 53 people and the destruction of property worth millions of rupees.
Saifi was arrested on February 26, 2020, for his alleged involvement in the riots. He was initially charged with rioting, unlawful assembly, and promoting communal disharmony. However, in October 2020, the police added the charge of attempt to murder to his case.
Current Case
Saifi's lawyer, Rebecca John, argued before the Delhi High Court that the charge of attempt to murder was unfounded because her client was not in possession of any weapon during the riots. She also claimed that the alleged gunshot, which led to the charge, cannot be attributed to Saifi.
The prosecution, however, argued that there was sufficient evidence linking Saifi to the incident site and that his actions had incited violence. The court acknowledged the prosecution's arguments but stated that it was difficult to entertain Saifi's plea without further evidence. The court has adjourned the hearing to allow the prosecution time to file a written response.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the attempt to murder charge against Khalid Saifi? A1: The attempt to murder charge can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which is far more severe than the other charges against Saifi.
Q2: Why is Saifi challenging the charge? A2: Saifi's lawyers argue that there is no evidence to support the charge and that he was not involved in any violence during the riots.
Q3: What are the implications of the court's decision? A3: If the court upholds the attempt to murder charge, Saifi could face a lengthy prison sentence. Conversely, if the court dismisses the charge, it could strengthen Saifi's case and weaken the prosecution's arguments.
Q4: What is the current status of the Delhi riots case? A4: The trial in the Delhi riots case is currently ongoing in various courts. Several accused have already been convicted, while others are still awaiting trial.
Q5: What is the significance of the 'United Against Hate' group? A5: The 'United Against Hate' group was formed in response to the Delhi riots to promote peace and communal harmony. Saifi is one of the founders and organizers of the group.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.