In a recent development related to the February 2020 Delhi riots case in the Khajuri Khas police station area, the Karkardooma Court in Delhi has formally established charges against six individuals. The accused face charges of rioting, mischief by fire, and vandalism. Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala framed the charges against the accused, namely Rajendar Jha, Tejveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh Manral, Peetamber Jha, and Devendar Kumar alias Monu Pandit.
The Delhi riots case was based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Alka Gupta, with three additional complaints merged into the same FIR by Gulzar, Vikas Sharma, and Mohd Irshad. These complainants alleged that a mob engaged in rioting, looting, mischief by fire, and destruction of property by fire, among other offenses.
Following a thorough investigation, the charge sheet, along with the complaint and other relevant documents, was filed against the six accused for various offenses under the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, unlawful assembly, robbery, and mischief by using fire or explosive substances.
During the court proceedings, Special Public Prosecutor Nitin Rai Sharma, representing Delhi Police, presented substantial evidence supporting the framing of charges against the accused individuals. However, the defense counsels for Rajendar Jha, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh, Peetamber Jha, and Devender contended that the site plan presented as evidence indicated two distinct locations of the incident. They also raised concerns about the identification of the accused and the lack of evidence against them.
In its order, the court noted that the facts presented in the statements of witnesses and the evidence showed that all accused individuals were part of the riotous mob, armed with deadly weapons, that indulged in rioting and caused significant damage to several shops. The court also pointed out that during the period of the incidents, a proclamation was made under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), and the accused were part of an unlawful assembly, violating the proclamation.
The court’s order has set the stage for further proceedings in the case, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the violence. The case highlights the importance of upholding law and order to prevent such incidents of violence in the future.
