BJP Urges Bengaluru Police to Cancel Event Linked to Umar Khalid

The Karnataka BJP on Monday urged the Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh to cancel a scheduled event in the city linked to activist Umar Khalid , escalating its concerns over potential law and order issues ahead of the programme. A delegation led by Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan submitted a detailed memorandum seeking withdrawal of permission.

The event, titled “Umar Khalid Prapancha” , is scheduled for April 28 at the Bangalore International Centre. It reportedly includes a reading of excerpts from the book “Umar Khalid and His World” followed by a discussion involving historians, intellectuals, and civil rights participants , with organisations such as PUCL and ALAJ associated with the programme.

Khalid is currently in custody under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots . The BJP claimed that holding such an event would amount to glorification of an accused individual , warning it could disturb public peace.

In its memorandum, the party alleged the presence of “urban Naxal elements” , pointed to reported pro-Khalid slogans and wall writings in Bengaluru , and argued that repeated denial of bail reflects the seriousness of the charges.

The BJP also stated it would not be responsible for any law and order situation arising from the event and urged authorities to act in the interest of public safety.

Meanwhile, reports confirm that no final decision has yet been taken by Bengaluru Police on cancellation or permission. The Supreme Court recently refused bail review for Khalid , noting prima facie evidence in the case.

The 2020 Delhi riots left 53 dead and over 700 injured , triggered during protests against the CAA and NRC.