A formal complaint has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), urging immediate cancellation of an upcoming public event titled “Umar Khalid and His World.” The event is scheduled to be held on April 28, 2026, at the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur.

Event details and organisers

According to publicly circulated information, the program is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and includes book readings and panel discussions featuring historians, activists, and public intellectuals. The event is reportedly organized by AILAJ and PUCL and will feature notable speakers, including academics and public figures, with moderation by a senior legal professional.

Grounds for objection

In its complaint, the Hindu organization has raised strong objections, claiming that the event may present a one-sided narrative around Umar Khalid, who is currently an undertrial in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. The complaint highlights that the charges against him fall under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as well as other serious legal provisions. It further notes that the matter is sub judice and that ongoing legal proceedings are in place.

Who is Umar Khalid?

Umar Khalid, a former student leader from Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been projected by investigators as a key figure in the coordinated design behind the 2020 Delhi riots. According to the prosecution’s narrative, the sequence of events points to planning rather than spontaneity, with organized mobilization, strategic roadblocks, and calibrated escalation forming part of a larger framework. The case hinges on the argument that what appeared to be outward protest activity masked a deeper, structured attempt to trigger disruption, bringing the allegations within the ambit of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Courts, while examining bail pleas, have taken note of this framework and the seriousness attached to such charges.

The complaint argues that hosting such an event in a prominent urban venue could potentially lead to social tensions and disturb public harmony. It expresses concern that discussions lacking legal balance or context may influence public perception and could be perceived as endorsing or glorifying an individual facing serious charges.

The organization has requested the Bengaluru police to take preventive measures, including close monitoring of the event and, if necessary, intervention under public order laws. It has also urged authorities to engage with event organizers and venue management to reassess the implications of hosting the program in its current form.

Demand for cancellation

In its representation, the group has demanded either immediate cancellation of the event or suitable modifications to ensure it does not conflict with law and order considerations. It has emphasized that any public discourse should remain sensitive to ongoing investigations and the broader societal impact.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Bengaluru police or the event organizers regarding the complaint. The situation remains under observation, with further developments expected as the scheduled date approaches.