🚨 Bail Plea Shot Down: Court Refuses Relief to Tahir Hussain in Delhi Riots Probe! 🚨
State Correspondents News Desk | January 30, 2026
⚖️ “Prima Facie Case Stands” – Judge Rejects Bid Post SC Grants to Co-Accused
A Delhi court has turned down regular bail applications from former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, alongside co-accused Salim Malik and Athar Khan, in the high-profile larger conspiracy case tied to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai at Karkardooma Courts ruled that prior findings of a strong prima facie case against them preclude revisiting the decision, even after Supreme Court bail to five others.
🔍 Court’s Key Reasoning:
Judge Bajpai emphasized: despite SC relief to Shifa-ur-Rehman, Gulfisha Fatima, Mohd. Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed, and Meeran Haider on Jan 5, Hussain’s earlier 2024 denial holds as allegations appear true. UAPA bail restrictions remain applicable, distinguishing from non-key figures like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
📜 Case Background & Allegations
The February 2020 riots, erupting amid CAA protests, claimed 53 lives and scorched Northeast Delhi. Delhi Police Special Cell charges 18 accused—including Hussain, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam—under UAPA and IPC for masterminding violence. Hussain allegedly supervised mobs from his Chand Bagh home terrace, funding protests and destroying CCTV evidence. Malik managed logistics/finances at sites; Khan incited via speeches, plotting “burn Delhi” amid secret meets.
📊 Quick Facts on Accused:
- Tahir Hussain: Ex-AAP councillor; terrace used for stones/petrol bombs; key local financier.
- Salim Malik: Garment trader; provocative speeches, handled protest meals/funds.
- Athar Khan: Ex-call centre worker; Chand Bagh organizer; CCTV sabotage coordinator.
- Status: 7 of 18 still jailed; others like Devangana Kalita, Asif Tanha freed.
⏰ Bail Timeline
| Accused | Bail Status | Date/Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tahir Hussain | Denied | Jan 28, 2026 (Trial Court) |
| Salim Malik | Denied | Jan 28, 2026 |
| Athar Khan | Denied | Jan 28, 2026 |
| Umar Khalid | Denied | SC, Recent (Key Conspirator) |
| Shifa-ur-Rehman et al. | Granted | SC, Jan 5, 2026 |
“Once prima facie case formed against applicant, no review despite co-accused relief.” – ASJ Sameer Bajpai
Prosecution hails verdict upholding UAPA rigor; defense eyes appeals. Riots probe spotlights anti-CAA stir’s alleged violent pivot, with 7 accused lingering in custody nearly 6 years on.
State Correspondents tracking developments. #DelhiRiots #TahirHussain #UAPA
