New Delhi: The Additional Sessions Judge at Karkardooma Court has acquitted Feroz Khan alias Pappu and Mohammad Anwar, both residents of Old Mustafabad, of all charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The court cited insufficient evidence and criticised police officials for failing to present credible and substantive proof, urging them to improve their investigative procedures.
The case, registered under FIR No. 130/2020 at Dayalpur Police Station, accused the two of participating in a mob involved in vandalism, looting, and arson in the Mahalaxmi Enclave area of North-East Delhi on February 24, 2020. Charges were framed under IPC Sections 148, 380, 427, 451, 436, 511, and 188, along with Section 149. However, the court highlighted contradictions in witness statements, lack of clarity in identifying the accused, and unreliable evidence, ultimately leading to the prosecution’s failure. The judgment also noted that no credible proof of damage to the alleged property was presented.
The defence, led by Advocate Abdul Ghaffar from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind(M) legal team, successfully exposed significant gaps in the prosecution’s arguments, securing the acquittal. Over the years, the Jamiat’s legal assistance has resulted in the acquittal of over 100 individuals accused in Delhi riots cases, while 586 others received bail during the initial stages of legal proceedings.
The February 2020 riots, allegedly instigated and carried out by BJP leaders and supporters, left 53 people dead – predominantly from the minority community – and caused extensive destruction and looting of their properties. Despite these allegations, many of the alleged perpetrators continue to evade accountability.
