Those booked by police under draconian laws: Safoora Zargar

Jamia Millia Islamia student Safoora Zargar (27) was sent to Tihar Jail after being charged under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) for her alleged role in the northeast Delhi riots.

She is the media coordinator of Jamia Coordination Committee Zargar had been arrested on April 13, with police claiming she was among those who organised an anti- CAA protest and road blockade under the Jafrabad Metro station in Delhi on February 22-23.

At the time of her arrest, Zargar was 13 weeks pregnant. Zargar’s counsel sought bail and told the Delhi court that she has been falsely implicated and was not named in the FIR. The court was also told she is three-months pregnant, and in view of the proviso of Section 437 of CrPC, she may be released on bail.

It was further argued that in another FIR, pertaining to a similar offence, she has already been released on bail. However, it was rejected.

While the situation has Zargar’s family worried — her sister even wrote an open letter saying the arrest during lockdown and inability to contact felt like “slow death” — they believe she will come out of this due to her strength and courage.

Zargar’s peers and teachers also say she is “outspoken”, and a bright student. “She’s one of the strongest voices in the JCC (Jamia Coordination Committee) and very caring and helpful too,” said a JCC member.