BJYM protests Umar Khalid book release in Bengaluru, members detained
Synopsis
BJYM members were detained in Bengaluru after protesting the Karnataka government's permission for a book release event on Umar Khalid, a UAPA accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. BJP leaders allege the Congress-led state is soft on anti-national elements; the episode has reignited a sharp political divide over civil liberties versus national security.
Key Takeaways
BJYM members were detained near Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on 28 April while protesting a book release on Umar Khalid .
Umar Khalid is lodged in Tihar Jail under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots , which allegedly killed 53 people and injured around 700 .
Mohan and Opposition Chief Whip N.
Ravi Kumar publicly opposed the event, urging authorities to deny permission.
A memorandum was submitted on Monday to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh seeking cancellation of the event.
Of 18 people arrested in the Delhi riots case, 11 have been granted bail while 7 remain in custody, according to Ravi Kumar .
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) members were detained by police on Tuesday, 28 April after staging a protest near the Bangalore International Centre in Domlur, Bengaluru, opposing the Karnataka government's permission for the release of a book on JNU activist Umar Khalid. Khalid is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.
What Happened at the Protest
As the demonstration began outside the venue, police swiftly surrounded the protesters, detained them, and transported them in buses to an undisclosed location. The protesters raised slogans against the Congress-led state government and displayed posters opposing what they described as
Point of View
But it raises a legitimate question: should a state government's event permissions be shaped by the political valence of a book's subject? The Supreme Court has twice rejected Umar Khalid's bail, yet that legal fact does not automatically make a book about him impermissible. The episode exposes the tension between free expression and the political weaponisation of UAPA cases — a tension neither side is engaging with honestly.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BJYM protest the book release in Bengaluru?
BJYM members protested because the Karnataka government permitted a book release event on Umar Khalid, who is currently in Tihar Jail under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The protesters alleged the event glorifies an accused person and urged authorities to cancel it.
Who is Umar Khalid and why is he in jail?
Umar Khalid is a JNU activist currently lodged in Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. The Supreme Court has rejected his bail plea.
What did BJP leaders say about the event?
BJP MP P.C. Mohan questioned the need to 'glorify an accused who is still in jail', while Opposition Chief Whip N. Ravi Kumar said the state government should not permit such an event under any circumstances. Both leaders alleged the Congress-led government is taking a soft approach toward anti-national elements.
What action did police take against the protesters?
Police surrounded the BJYM protesters as soon as the demonstration began, detained them, and transported them in buses to an undisclosed location on 28 April in Bengaluru.
Who else is mentioned in connection with the book release?
Sharjeel Imam, also accused under UAPA in the Delhi riots case and arrested for speeches during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), was also mentioned by BJP leaders who opposed books being released on both individuals.
