Delhi Court Acquits Six in 2020 Riots Case, Slams Police for Fabricated Evidence
In a significant ruling that has raised serious questions about police investigation methods, a Delhi court has acquitted six individuals accused of involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The court strongly criticized the Delhi Police for fabricating evidence and tampering with records, leading to what it described as a complete breakdown of the supervisory mechanism.
Court Condemns Police Tampering and Manipulation
Additional Sessions Judge Parveen Singh of Karkardooma Court delivered the judgment on January 31, 2026, highlighting multiple irregularities in the prosecution's case. The judge observed that records were audaciously tampered with, resulting in the rights of the accused being bulldozed and pulverised.
The six accused—Prem Prakash, Ishu Gupta, Raj Kumar, Amit, Rahul, and Hariom Sharma—were arrested for allegedly participating in a mob that set fire to shops, houses, and vehicles near Aziziya Masjid in New Usmanpur on February 25, 2020. The police had relied on CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to make the arrests.
Key Flaws in Prosecution Evidence
The court identified several critical flaws in the prosecution's evidence:
- Witness Statements Manipulated: Initial statements from witnesses indicated they had not seen any rioters, but these were later altered to implicate the accused.
- Failure to Recognize Accused: Two key witnesses failed to identify Hariom Sharma in their initial statements under Section 161 of the CrPC, despite claiming to know him well.
- CCTV Footage Issues: The CCTV footage, which was crucial for the arrests, was never proven in court. The pen drive submitted contained only blank video files showing a black screen.
Judge Singh remarked, "I fail to understand by what divine intervention the investigating officer would come to know that Prem Prakash was involved in this riot" given the lack of valid evidence.
Court Orders Action Against Responsible Officers
The court has directed that a copy of the order be placed before the Commissioner of Police for necessary action against those responsible for the fabricated chargesheet. This move underscores the court's concern over systemic failures in police investigations and the need for accountability.
The prosecution had examined 27 witnesses, including Head Constable Kishan, Samina Khatoon, and ASI Vikas. However, the court found the case to be built on manipulated and unreliable testimony, leading to the acquittal of all six accused.
Background of the 2020 Delhi Riots
The communal riots erupted on February 24, 2020, on a service road near Chand Bagh on Wazirabad Road in Delhi. The violence resulted in significant property damage and loss of life, with numerous cases still pending in courts. This acquittal adds to a growing list of cases where courts have flagged issues with police evidence in riot-related matters.
The judgment highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring fair investigations and protecting the rights of the accused in high-profile cases. It serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial oversight and integrity in criminal proceedings.
