New Delhi: The Delhi Police has opposed the bail applications of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the Supreme Court, asserting that the February 2020 Delhi riots were part of a conspiracy aimed at enforcing a "regime change" in India. In a detailed 389-page affidavit, the police argued that the accused conspired to undermine the country's sovereignty and integrity under the guise of peaceful protests. They emphasized that the nature of the offences warrants "jail and not bail."

The police stated that they have gathered substantial evidence, including ocular, documentary, and technical proof, indicating the accused's significant involvement in orchestrating the riots along communal lines. The affidavit claims that the conspiracy sought to disrupt communal harmony and incite crowds to the point of armed rebellion. Furthermore, it alleges that the accused planned to escalate tensions during the visit of then-US President Donald Trump to attract international media attention and frame the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests as a global issue.

The police highlighted that materials on record, including communications referencing President Trump, demonstrate that the conspiracy was premeditated to coincide with his visit. They described the CAA protests as a "radicalising catalyst" disguised as a peaceful movement.

The bail pleas of Khalid, Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider, all charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), are set to be heard by a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria. The police also accused the petitioners of delaying the trial, asserting that their conduct constitutes a "brazen abuse of process."

The Supreme Court has previously expressed its impatience with the delays in the case, emphasizing that the matter should not be postponed further. The petitioners have been in custody for over five years without trial, and their legal representatives have urged the court to expedite the hearing. The February 2020 riots resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries, occurring amid widespread protests against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).