LI Network
Published on: 14 August 2023 at 16:00 IST
A court in Delhi has issued orders for charges to be framed against four individuals accused of setting a place of worship on fire during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.
Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat presided over the case, involving Rahul Kumar, Suraj, Yogender, and Naresh. These individuals were allegedly part of a riotous mob that engaged in arson at a place of worship in Shahdara’s Chappal Market during the riots on February 25, 2020.
Based on the evidence presented in court, Judge Rawat stated, “I am of the view that the prosecution has met its case for the purpose of charge.” He further expressed the belief that there were sufficient grounds to presume that the accused individuals had committed offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rioting, armed rioting, committing mischief leading to damage, and intentional destruction of a building through fire or explosive substances.
The accused also face charges under IPC sections related to theft, injuring or defiling a place of worship, and disobedience to public servant orders, among others.
However, Judge Rawat dismissed charges under IPC Section 34 (common intention) and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Public Property (DPDPP) Act.
The court’s analysis considered the unlawful assembly of rioters gathering at the location, committing acts of rioting, arson, and theft in violation of prohibitory orders.
Although the charge sheet did not specifically mention the offense of injuring or defiling a place of worship, the court found evidence to establish a prima facie case for this offense.
The court highlighted that the accused setting fire to the place of worship also qualified as an offense under IPC Section 295.
The case emerged following an FIR registered at Jyoti Nagar police station against the four accused individuals.
The court’s decision to proceed with framing charges underscores the legal proceedings related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots and the commitment to upholding justice in such cases.
