Umar Khalid case draws US attention: After Zohran Mamdani, 8 lawmakers urge India to grant 'fair trial'

Umar Khalid case: After newly sworn-in New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed support for Umar Khalid, eight United States lawmakers have written to the Indian government urging that Khalid be granted a fair and timely trial in line with international law.

Umar Khalid is an accused in the larger conspiracy case linked to the North-East Delhi riots and has been in custody under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

US Lawmakers Write to India’s Ambassador

The letter was addressed to India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra. It was signed by senior Democrat Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, along with seven other lawmakers.

Those who signed the letter include Congressman Jamie Raskin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Peter Welch, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Jan Schakowsky and Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

Concerns Raised Over Prolonged Detention Under UAPA

In the letter, the lawmakers stated that Umar Khalid has been detained without bail for nearly five years under the UAPA. They noted that independent human rights experts have raised concerns that such prolonged detention may violate international standards related to due process, equality before the law and proportionality.

The lawmakers urged Indian authorities to ensure that Khalid receives a trial within a reasonable time or is released, while reiterating the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Meeting With Umar Khalid’s Parents

According to the letter, some of the lawmakers met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier in December. Sharing the development on X, Jim McGovern said he had met Khalid’s parents and that US lawmakers were urging that Khalid be granted bail and a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law.

Zohran Mamdani’s Message Adds to Spotlight

The letter follows a note written by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently met Khalid’s parents. The message was shared on social media by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna.

In the note, Mamdani said he often thinks about Khalid’s words on bitterness and the importance of not letting it take over one’s life, adding that it was a pleasure to meet his parents.


Mamdani was sworn in as New York Mayor on Thursday.

Recent Interim Bail for Family Event

Recently, a Delhi court at Karkardooma granted Umar Khalid interim bail to attend his sister Ayesha Fatima Syeda’s wedding. He was allowed provisional bail from December 16 to December 29, with the wedding held on December 27.

Umar Khalid Case Status and Legal Proceedings

Umar Khalid has been charge-sheeted under the UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. His bail plea remains pending before the Supreme Court.

The letter from US lawmakers adds international attention to the case, even as legal proceedings continue within India’s judicial system.

Inputs from ANI