Sharjeel Imam tests positive for novel coronavirus in Guwahati Central Jail

Sharjeel Imam has tested positive for vel coronavirus in Guwahati Central Jail in Assam. A Delhi Police Special Cell team h reached Assam on July 17 to take Imam's custody and present him before a Delhi court on July 25. When Imam and  Delhi Police team were screened for COVID-19, only latter tested negative. w, Delhi Police has decided to delay Imam's transfer to national capital until he is cured of disease. 

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Imam's controversial remarks

Sharjeel Imam 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."  

Imam was arrested from Bihar's Jehanab district on January 28 after police accused him of being involved in  violence that took place in Jamia on December 15, 2019, during  protests against  Citizenship Amendment Act. Charges under Section 153A, 124A, and 505 of Indian Penal Code were slapped against him. Subsequently, he was charged under stringent UAPA. 

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Default bail plea dismissed

On July 10, a single bench of Delhi High Court of Justice V Kameswar Rao rejected Sharjeel Imam's plea for default bail. He h moved Delhi HC against trial court order granting an extension of 3 months to Delhi Police for completing investigation against him under UAPA. For offences under UAPA, investigation has to be completed within 90 days. Imam’s counsel Rebecca John argued that formal tice was served regarding extension of probe time beyond 90 days under provisions of UAPA. 

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