Sharjeel Imam charge-sheeted for 'seditious speech' & abetting riots during CAA protests

Almost three months after arrest, Delhi Police has on Saturday filed a supplementary charge-sheet against former JNU student and organiser of Shaheen Bagh protest Sharjeel Imam for his alleged seditious speech reportedly in Aligarh. He is also charge-sheeted for 'abetting riots' in New Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia on December 15 last year, following protests against  Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). After massive man-hunt, Imam was arrested from Bihar's Jehanab district on January 28 after which he was sent to jail. 

"In case of FIR . 242/19 PS New Friends Colony, Sharjeel Imam was arrested for instigating and abetting  Jamia riots, due to his seditious speech delivered on December 13, 2019. During investigation, on basis of evidence collected, sections 124 A IPC and 153 A IPC (Sedition and promoting enmity) were invoked in case. In this case, first charge-sheet was filed against rioters arrested by SIT led by Shri Rajesh Deo. A Supplementary charge-sheet in continuation of earlier charge-sheet has w been filed in court of MM Saket court," Delhi Police said.

According to police, riots broke out 'in consequence to protest march organised by Jamia students" against Citizenship (Amendment) Act in area of New Friends Colony and Jamia on December last year. " mob indulged in large scale rioting, stone-pelting and arson, and in process destroyed many public and private properties. Cases of rioting, arson and dam to public properties were registered in both police stations. Many policemen and public persons were injured in riots," Delhi Police said.

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 Guwahati police h detained Imam on February 20 from Crime Branch in  Panbazar area, after Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate court granted custody. He was n sent to jail. 

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Imam's shocking remarks

Sharjeel Imam, former JNU student and a PhD scholar was a key organizer of Shaheen Bagh protests. His controversial remarks came to light on January 25 when BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra shared a video that featured him. In video purportedly from Aligarh in Uttar Presh, he is heard saying that 5 lakh people can come toger and permanently 'cut rth-East from India'. Moreover, he stressed that this was only way in which Indian government would pay heed to concerns of protesters. 

In video, Imam said, "If we have 5 lakh organized people n we can permanently cut rth-east from India or at least for one month. Put so much (unclear) on ro that y cant even remove it for a month. It is our responsibility to isolate Assam from India, n only y will listen to us."  

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