Delhi Police claims Umar Khalid, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, used his connections with actors, politicians, and news portals to shape public perception on social media. Read for details and the ongoing court case.
Umar Khalid’s Social Media Strategy Under Scrutiny: Delhi Police Alleges Narrative Manipulation
Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student, finds himself at the center of a new controversy surrounding his alleged use of social media to manipulate public perception in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The Delhi Police, opposing his bail plea, recently presented arguments in court that raise questions about Khalid’s online activities.
Accusations Against Khalid
The crux of the Delhi Police’s argument hinges on the claim that Khalid, facing charges of criminal conspiracy, rioting, and unlawful assembly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), employed social media to amplify a “false narrative” in his favor. Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad, representing the Delhi Police, informed the court that Khalid contacted actors, politicians, and specific news portals.
Connections with Celebrities and Politicians
According to Prasad, Khalid allegedly messaged various celebrities, including actors Pooja Bhatt, Sushant Singh, Swara Bhasker, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub, along with politician and social activist Yogendra Yadav, Congress leader Jignesh Mewani, and news outlets like The Wire and Alt News. The prosecution claims these messages contained links from certain news websites that Khalid requested the recipients share on their social media platforms.
Delhi Police’s Perspective
The Delhi Police interprets these actions as a deliberate attempt to “expose the Delhi Police” and garner support for a specific narrative. Prasad further presented a video clip featuring Khalid’s father being interviewed by a news portal, alleging the interview contained remarks questioning the credibility of the Supreme Court. This, according to the prosecution, reinforces the idea of a pre-meditated strategy to influence public opinion.
Defense Response and Legal Standing
Khalid’s defense team is yet to present a counter-argument to these allegations. It’s important to note that the court is currently only considering the bail plea and hasn’t reached a verdict on the charges against Khalid. In February 2024, Khalid withdrew his initial bail plea filed with the Supreme Court citing “changed circumstances.”
Social Media and Public Discourse
The allegations against Khalid highlight the increasingly complex role of social media in shaping public discourse, particularly in sensitive legal cases. Accused individuals now have the ability to directly reach a vast audience and potentially sway public opinion before a court reaches a decision. This raises concerns about the potential for misinformation and manipulation in the digital age.
Impact on the Delhi Riots Case
The Delhi Police’s accusations regarding Khalid’s social media activity add another layer to the already multifaceted Delhi riots case. The 2020 riots, which left over 50 people dead and hundreds injured, remain a contentious issue with ongoing investigations and trials. This new development might influence public perception of the case and potentially impact the ongoing judicial process.
Need for a Balanced Approach
While the Delhi Police’s claims warrant investigation, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. Public figures and media outlets engaging with social media is not inherently problematic. However, ensuring the accuracy and responsible dissemination of information online remains a significant challenge.
Conclusion: Questions and Considerations
The allegations against Umar Khalid raise critical questions about the intersection of social media, public discourse, and the legal system. Did Khalid attempt to manipulate public perception? How do we ensure responsible use of social media in sensitive legal cases? These are crucial questions that need to be addressed as the Delhi riots case progresses and the court deliberates on Khalid’s bail plea.
This article serves as a starting point for further exploration of this complex issue. It’s important to stay updated on developments in the case and follow reliable news sources for accurate information.
