In a significant development drawing international attention to a high-profile Indian legal case, newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal letter to Umar Khalid, an activist and accused in the 2020 North East Delhi riots conspiracy case, who remains incarcerated in Delhi's Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Mayor's Personal Note and Swearing-In Coincide
The heartfelt note from Mayor Mamdani was shared on social media on Thursday, coinciding with the day he officially took his oath of office. In the message, which was posted by Khalid's partner Banojyotsna, Mamdani reflected on Khalid's thoughts regarding bitterness. "I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one's self," Mamdani wrote. He also mentioned the pleasure of meeting Khalid's parents, adding, "We are all thinking of you."
This personal outreach comes shortly after the Karkardooma Court in Delhi granted Umar Khalid provisional bail to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid was released on interim bail from December 16 to December 29, 2025, for the ceremony which took place on December 27. His main bail plea continues to be pending before the Supreme Court of India.
US Lawmakers Amplify Call for Justice
The spotlight on Umar Khalid's case intensified as eight United States lawmakers formally wrote to India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, urging the Indian government to ensure Khalid receives a fair and timely trial in accordance with international law. The letter, spearheaded by Democrat Jim McGovern, the Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, highlights concerns over prolonged detention without trial.
The lawmakers pointed out that Khalid has been detained without bail for over five years under the UAPA. They cited warnings from independent human rights experts that such provisions may conflict with international standards of due process, equality before the law, and proportionality. The letter stresses the principle of being presumed innocent until proven guilty and requests the Indian government to outline steps taken to ensure judicial proceedings meet international benchmarks.
Other prominent US politicians who signed the appeal include Congressman Jamie Raskin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Peter Welch, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Jan Schakowsky, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett. McGovern revealed on social media platform X that he and his colleagues had met with Umar Khalid's parents earlier in December.
Background of the 2020 Delhi Riots Case
The legal case stems from the widespread communal unrest in Delhi in February 2020, which erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence resulted in 53 deaths and left more than 700 people injured.
Indian authorities have described the riots as an "orchestrated, pre-planned and well-designed" attack, as stated by the Delhi Police in the Supreme Court while opposing bail for the accused. Activists including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and others were charged under the anti-terror UAPA and various sections of the Indian Penal Code, being termed as alleged key conspirators behind the violence.
The dual interventions—from a major global city's mayor and a group of US federal lawmakers—underscore the growing international scrutiny on human rights and judicial processes in India, particularly in cases involving anti-terror legislation and prolonged pre-trial detention.
