2020 Delhi Riots: Court Frames Charges Against 6 Accused

The Karkardooma Court has recently framed charges against six individuals for their alleged involvement in rioting, arson, and destruction of property during the February 2020 Delhi riots.

The case pertains to the Khajuri Khas area in North-East Delhi.

Additional Sessions Judge Pulasty Pramachala pronounced the charges against the accused: Rajendra Jha, Tejveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh Manral, Preetambar Jha, and Devendra Kumar alias Monu Pandit.

The court opined, “In my opinion, prima facie, the case against all the accused is made out under Sections 48/379/427/435/436/450/453 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with Section 149 IPC, and also under Section 188 IPC.”

The Delhi Police initially registered an FIR based on the complaint filed by Alka Gupta. Subsequently, three more complaints by Gulzar, Vikas Sharma, and Mohammad Irshad were added to this FIR.

All the accused were charged with rioting, looting, causing mischief by fire, and other offenses committed by the mob. After completing the investigation, the charge sheet, along with the complaint, will be filed on 22nd March 2022. The charges filed against the 6 accused include IPC Section 147, 148, 149, 188, and 392 among others.

During the court proceedings, it was mentioned that Alka Gupta, Gulzar, Vikas, and Altamaf, in their statements, have provided relevant information. It states that all the accused were part of the violent mob that carried out the riot, armed with dangerous weapons.

They allegedly vandalized and destroyed several shops, including Salman’s salon in Ram Prasad Market, Gulzar’s salon, another Salman’s salon, and Irshad’s salon, all of which were located in the area.

They caused extensive damage to the property within these shops.