[Prayagraj Violence] Allahabad High Court grants bail to accused student
On June 10 this year, in Prayagraj, violent protests took place against the remarks by a former BJP spokesperson against Prophet Muhammed.
The Allahabad High Court recently granted bail to a student allegedly involved in the Prayagraj Violence incident. Mohammad Sajid,the accused, was in jail since June 12 this year.
The bench of Justice Raj Beer Singh allowed Sajid's bail plea considering the nature of the allegations and the period of custody.
The First Information Report in the case was lodged against 70 named and 5000 unknown persons, alleging that on June 10, 2022 after Friday namaz, a mob raised objectionable and inflammatory slogans against another religion, committed riot and pelted stones, and thereby damaged several properties and some police officials have sustained injuries.
The case was registered under Sections 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 149, 153A, 153B, 295A, 307, 332, 336, 353, 435, 427, 504, 505(2), 506, 120B IPC and Section 3/4/5 Explosive Substances Act and Section 7 Criminal Law Amendment Act and Section 83 of Juvenile Justice Act and Section 3/4 of Prevention of Damages to Public Property Act.
Sajid was not named in the FIR. Seeking his release on bail, Sajid's counsel argued that his involvement in the incident was highly disputed. He also asserted that Sajid had no other previous criminal history.
While praying for Sajid's release, his counsel further submitted that similarly placed co-accused Aashif, Fazir Ali @ Fazil Ali and Faizan had already been granted bail. Moreover, he assured the court that if released on bail, Sajid will not misuse the liberty of bail and will co-operate in the trial.
Considering the same, Court allowed the bail application while directing that Sajid shall not tamper with the evidence during the trial and shall not pressurize/ intimidate the prosecution witness.
Case Title: Mohd. Sajid v. State of U.P.