Delhi Riots 2020: A Tale of Shattered Dreams and Unbearable Grief
In the bustling neighborhoods of northeast Delhi, the February 2020 communal violence left deep scars that continue to haunt families to this day. Among the victims were individuals like Rahul Solanki, whose life was cut short just as wedding bells were about to ring, and Mehtab, a young man whose pure heart was silenced forever. Their stories, along with others, paint a grim picture of loss and resilience in the face of tragedy.
The Tragic End of Rahul Solanki's Wedding Plans
Rahul Solanki, a 28-year-old civil engineer, had his life ahead of him, with plans to marry in April 2020. His home in Shiv Vihar was abuzz with preparations for the joyous occasion. However, on February 24, 2020, Rahul sensed trouble brewing and called his father, Hari Singh Solanki (55), urging him to return home due to possible clashes. Hari Singh heeded the call, but later, Rahul ventured out to buy milk and never returned.
A woman alerted the family that Rahul was injured, but by the time they rushed to him, he had been declared dead. Hari Singh recounted, "The family had been preparing to celebrate. Instead, our home was plunged into grief." The loss was devastating, with Rahul's mother sinking into depression. "He was very close to his mother and always kept us together," Hari Singh added. Unable to bear the pain, the family sold their house and moved to another part of northeast Delhi, asking, "The grief was unbearable. What could we do by staying there?"
Mehtab's Innocent Errand Turns Fatal
In Brijpuri, Mehtab (22) also stepped out to buy milk, unaware of the danger lurking. Seeing the gate near his lane locked, he took an alternate route. Hours later, his brother, Mohammad Rashid, received forwarded photos of riot victims, and Mehtab was among them. His body was found in a local nursing home.
Yasmin (41), Mehtab's sister-in-law, described how his death shattered the family. "Mehtab's 95-year-old mother, Khushwadi, is depressed and confused all the time. She does not talk much anymore," Yasmin said. The family remembered Mehtab as a pure heart, and after his death, responsibilities increased for Rashid, who now runs a cab loading service. Living in constant fear, Yasmin expressed, "Every day feels unsafe," worrying whenever her three children step out, as the accused live in a lane next to theirs.
Other Victims: Dinesh Kumar and Zakir
Dinesh Kumar (35) was returning home from work in Mustafabad when he noticed a large gathering. Curious, he went to check and was shot dead. His brother, Suresh, who runs a utensils store in Shiv Vihar, recalled the harrowing experience: "I got a phone call in the evening and rushed to GTB Hospital to see my brother. I was terrified, and with the situation worsening, I feared for my own safety too. Somehow, I reached the hospital and found him injured." Dinesh succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a wife and two children as the sole breadwinner, with the family now struggling financially.
In another heartbreaking incident, Zakir, a 28-year-old welder in Mustafabad, was killed while visiting his brother Gulfam (38) in Brijpuri. Gulfam shared, "We hadn't met for some time. He came to see me and then went to the masjid near the bridge. A while later, someone told me my brother had been stabbed by a mob in the masjid." Gulfam continues to work as a welder, a trade he managed with Zakir, while his two other brothers are tailors, trying to cope with the loss.
The Lingering Impact on Families
The Delhi riots of 2020 not only claimed lives but also left families grappling with emotional and financial turmoil. From depression and constant fear to financial struggles, the aftermath has been a heavy burden. These stories highlight the human cost of communal violence, urging reflection on the need for peace and healing in affected communities.
