Sharjeel Imam to Surrender at Tihar Jail as Interim Bail Ends

Student leader Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, is set to surrender at Tihar Jail today as his interim bail period comes to an end. He left his native village Kako in Bihar’s Jehanabad district on Monday morning and is expected to complete the surrender formalities by evening.

Imam was granted a 10-day interim bail by the court from March 20 to March 30. The relief was provided to allow him to visit his seriously ill mother and attend his younger brother’s wedding. During this period, he stayed with his family and participated in personal events but maintained a low profile, avoiding any interaction with the media or public statements.

Speaking about his departure, his uncle Arshad Imam expressed mixed emotions. He said that although the parole period was short, it allowed Sharjeel to spend meaningful time with family and friends. He added that while it is painful to see him return to जेल, the family has faith in the judicial system and hopes that justice will prevail.

Sharjeel Imam has been in custody for nearly six years in connection with the Delhi riots case, which remains under trial. Other accused in the case, including Umar Khalid, are also facing ongoing legal challenges, with no significant relief granted recently by the Supreme Court.

The case continues to draw attention from various social and political circles, where it is often discussed in the context of civil liberties and judicial processes. Imam’s family has also appealed to the Bihar Chief Minister to intervene and raise the matter with the central government in an effort to secure his release.

As he departed for Delhi, emotional scenes were witnessed at his home, with family members bidding him farewell. With the parole period now over, Imam will return to custody as legal proceedings against him continue.