Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has petitioned the city police to stop an event scheduled in support of activist Umar Khalid, citing concerns over law and order and the nature of the charges against him.
A delegation led by P C Mohan, Member of Parliament from Bengaluru Central, met Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Monday to submit the petition.
Event centred around book reading
The event, slated to be held on Tuesday, will feature a reading of excerpts from the book Umar Khalid and His World. The discussion is expected to include noted writer-historians Janaki Nair and Ramachandra Guha, along with actor Prakash Raj.
Organisers have described the programme as an intellectual and literary engagement around the book and its themes.
BJP raises concerns over law and order
In its petition, the BJP argued that Khalid is facing serious charges under anti-terror laws in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The party pointed out that courts have repeatedly denied him bail over the past few years.
“The fact that courts have denied him bail for the past three years stands as an indication of his alleged criminal activities,” the petition stated.
The party also expressed concern that the event could “glorify such an individual” and potentially encourage “criminal elements”.
Reference to recent developments
The BJP further claimed that pro-Khalid slogans and graffiti had appeared in parts of Bengaluru, raising apprehensions about public sentiment and possible unrest.
“In the interest of maintaining peace in the city, we request that the permission granted for this event be withdrawn,” the party said, adding that it would not be responsible for any law and order issues if the event proceeds.
Background of the case
Umar Khalid has been in judicial custody since September 2020 in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, which followed protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
His bail applications have been rejected multiple times by various courts, including the Supreme Court of India, most recently reaffirming earlier decisions.
Awaiting police response
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Bengaluru police regarding whether permission for the event will be revoked or allowed to proceed.
The development has sparked debate over the balance between freedom of expression and concerns related to public order, with all eyes on the authorities’ decision.
Conclusion
The BJP’s petition has added a political dimension to the planned event, highlighting ongoing tensions around issues of dissent, legality, and public safety. The final call by the police will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds in the city.