Sharjeel Imam, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in relation to the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, has moved an interim bail plea before a city court seeking interim bail to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The student activist, who has been in jail for over five years, will contest the elections as an independent candidate from Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district. “. it is pertinent to mention that the applicant is contesting as an independent candidate and is not associated with any political party. There is no one to take care of and make arrangements for his nomination and campaign for the elections, except his younger brother, who is also currently looking after his ailing mother and providing for his family,” Imam’s plea seeking interim bail for 14 days stated. “That the process of filing nomination papers for the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections is scheduled to commence on 13.10.2025 and the last date for filing nominations is 20.10.2025. Therefore, it is essential that the applicant is present in his contesting constituency to file his nomination and make necessary arrangements for his electoral campaign,” it added. According to the Delhi Police Special Cell, Sharjeel, who was arrested on August 25, 2020, was in touch with members of various WhatsApp groups which the Cell termed as “radical and communal”. Police had claimed he was instrumental in orchestrating chakka jams across the Capital. They had also alleged that he was one of the kingpins of the “anti-CAA protests” who had mobilised students by giving provocative speeches. The Special Cell started investigating the alleged conspiracy behind the riots soon after they broke out in February 2020 in Northeast Delhi. Over the course of its investigation, it booked 18 accused persons under relevant provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code. Twelve of them are still in jail. On March 6, 2020, an FIR was lodged in the case. From September 16, 2020 to June 7, 2023, a total of five chargesheets were filed in this case.
