Justice Served: All Six Acquitted in Delhi Riots Case

In a significant development, Delhi’s Karkardooma Court has acquitted all six accused in a high-profile case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The accused, Hashim Ali, Abu Bakar, Mohammad Aziz, Rashid Ali, Najmuddin alias Bhola, and Mohammad Danish, faced severe charges including rioting, theft, vandalism, and arson. They were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) based on FIR No. 72/20 filed at the Karawal Nagar police station.

Defense Representation

• Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind led the defense under its president, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani.
• Advocate Saleem Malik represented Hashim Ali and Rashid Ali.
• Advocate Shameem Akhtar represented Abu Bakar.
• Hashim Ali, caretaker of Madina Mosque in Shiv Vihar, had his mosque and home destroyed by rioters, and initially faced charges criticized by the court.

Prosecution Allegations

• The prosecution alleged that the accused were part of a mob that destroyed Shri Naresh Chand’s property during the riots.
• Witnesses, including the complainant and his son Umakant, identified the accused based on CCTV footage and other evidence.

Defense Arguments

• Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s lawyers argued there was no direct evidence linking the accused to the crimes.
• They highlighted the lack of clear identification by witnesses.
• Stated that CCTV footage and call detail records did not conclusively prove the involvement of the accused.
• Emphasized that the accused were themselves victims, having lost their mosque and homes in the riots.

Court’s Conclusion

• The court concluded that no witness could clearly identify the accused from the CCTV footage.
• Criticized the lack of scientific examination to confirm the accused’s presence in the footage.
• Ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the accused’s involvement in criminal activities, declaring all charges baseless and acquitting them.

Reactions and Statements

• Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, expressed happiness over the verdict.
• Criticized the investigative agencies for failing to deliver justice and identify the true culprits of the Delhi riots.
• Emphasized the need to uncover the real perpetrators to prevent future anti-national activities.
• Noted that multiple courts have recognized the shortcomings and criminal negligence of the police and investigative agencies regarding the Delhi riots.

Ongoing Efforts by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind

• Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is handling over 250 cases related to the Delhi riots.
• Legal aspects are overseen by Advocate Niaz Ahmed Farooqui.
• Rehabilitation efforts for riot victims are conducted under the supervision of General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Hakimuddin Qasmi.