Patna: Sharjeel Imam, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, has been granted a 10-day parole, allowing him to return home for the first time since his arrest nearly six years ago. He arrived in Patna on Friday and proceeded to his ancestral home in Jehanabad to attend the wedding of his younger brother, Muzammil Imam, scheduled for March 25.
The parole was granted on humanitarian grounds, taking into account the family event and the ill health of Imam’s mother. The court permitted him to stay with his family and participate in the wedding festivities from March 20 to 30.
Imam is required to surrender and return to prison by March 30. During the parole period, he must comply with strict conditions, including a ban on contacting witnesses or others associated with the case, sharing his mobile number with the investigating officer, and refraining from social media use. The court has allowed meetings only with close family members.
Authorities in Patna and Jehanabad are maintaining heightened security. Local police have been instructed to monitor Imam’s movements closely, with special surveillance measures in place to prevent any untoward incidents.
Imam, a prominent figure accused in the Delhi riots, has been in judicial custody since his arrest in August 2020. The riots left more than 50 people dead and hundreds injured, marking one of the most violent episodes in the city in recent years. This marks the first time Imam has received temporary relief since his incarceration.
