NEW DELHI: JNU student and anti-CAA activist Sharjeel Imam was arrested by Delhi Police from Bihar on Tuesday for delivering “inflammatory and instigating” speeches against the new Act in the capital earlier, officials said. However, Imam tweeted that he had surrendered to police.
“I have surrendered to the Delhi Police on 28 1 2020 at 3 PM. I am ready and willing to operate with the investigation. I have full faith in due process of law. My safety and security are now in the hand of the Delhi Police. Let peace prevail,” he said.
On January 25, police registered an FIR against Imam under Sections 124 A (an offence by words, either spoken or written causes disaffection against government established by law. Punishment imprisonment up to life); 153 A IPC (promoting enmity between different religious groups with an intent to create disharmony. Punishment imprisonment extending up to three years) and 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief). A team was dispatched to Bihar to catch hold of him, they said.
“The team was in touch with Patna and Jahanabad police and was continuously conducting raids. On Monday Sharjeel Imam’s brother, Muzmil was interrogated. Based on the interrogation vital clues regarding Sharjeel were obtained. Based upon the leads, the team was successful in apprehending him today at about 2 pm. He has been arrested and his Transit remand is being sought from Ld local Court having jurisdiction. After obtaining Transit remand he will be brought to Delhi,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Deo said.
Police said that it came to their notice that Imam had been delivering inflammatory speeches in his opposition to CAA and NRC. “He had previously delivered one such speech in Jamia on December 13 and thereafter has given one even more inflammatory and instigating speech against the government, which was being widely circulated on social media,” he added.