In a key development concerning the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, a local court has ordered the framing of multiple charges, including murder, arson, and dacoity, against 25 individuals accused of participating in the violence that led to the death of head constable Ratan Lal. The Additional Sessions Judge, Pulastya Pramachala, emphasized that the Constitution does not permit protesters to engage in violence, dismissing the defense’s claim that the accused were exercising constitutional rights.
The case involves 27 people allegedly part of a mob that assaulted a police team at the Chand Bagh protest site on February 24, 2020. The court’s 115-page order detailed how Lal succumbed to firearm injuries and 24 other injuries while defending fellow officers. The riots, linked to protests against the CAA/NRC, were found to be part of a criminal conspiracy, with violence premeditated by protest organizers.
The accused include organizers and 14 others charged under various IPC sections, such as murder and rioting. Although charges were confirmed against key figures like Mohammed Salim Khan and Saleem Malik, the court discharged Mohammed Wasim due to insufficient evidence connecting him to the riotous activities. Another accused, Sahid, faces limited charges due to recovered stolen property but was not linked directly to riot participation.
The northeast Delhi riots resulted in over 50 deaths and more than 200 injuries. The formal framing of charges is set for December 3. Despite defense challenges, the court maintains that being named in a related larger conspiracy case does not exempt individuals from prosecution in this matter.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/2020-delhi-riots-court-orders-framing-of-charges-against-25-accused-in-head-constable-death-case/article68904825.ece
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