Delhi Court Acquits Father and Son in 2020 North East Delhi Riots Case
A Delhi Court has recently acquitted Mithhan Singh and his son Jony Kumar of charges related to the burning of Fatima Mosque and nearby houses in the Khajoori Khas area during the North East Delhi riots in February 2020. The case was based on an FIR registered at the Khajoori Khas police station.
Judge’s Decision
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala acquitted the accused, giving them the benefit of the doubt. The court noted that the presence of the accused among the rioters could not be established. Statements from constables Pradeep Kumar and Kalik Tomar, who identified the accused, were considered unreliable as they appeared to be made with a pre-determined mindset.
Details of the Incident
The FIR was registered on March 4, 2020, based on a complaint by Mohd. Munazir. He alleged that on the morning of February 25, 2020, after offering Namaz at Fatima Masjid, he saw a mob in his street. Despite assurances from Kishan Pal, the situation escalated, and rioters set the mosque and nearby houses on fire. Munazir claimed that the accused were seen observing the events from their terrace.
Munazir also reported that his house was set ablaze, and valuable items, including gold, silver, and cash meant for his daughters’ marriages, were looted. He was eventually rescued by the police.
Legal Proceedings
After the investigation, a chargesheet was filed on June 6, 2020, and charges were framed against the accused on December 20, 2021. Additional charges were framed on October 6, 2023, but both accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi Court -: A Delhi Court is a place where judges work to decide if someone has broken the law in Delhi, which is the capital city of India.
Acquits -: Acquits means that the court has decided that the people accused of a crime are not guilty and did not do anything wrong.
North East Delhi Riots -: The North East Delhi Riots were violent events that happened in February 2020 in the northeastern part of Delhi, where people fought and caused damage.
Mithhan Singh -: Mithhan Singh is one of the people who was accused of being part of the riots but was found not guilty by the court.
Jony Kumar -: Jony Kumar is the son of Mithhan Singh, and he was also accused of being part of the riots but was found not guilty by the court.
Fatima Mosque -: Fatima Mosque is a place where Muslims go to pray, and it was one of the buildings that were damaged during the riots.
Constables -: Constables are police officers who help keep people safe and make sure everyone follows the law.
Mohd. Munazir -: Mohd. Munazir is the person who complained to the police that his house and the mosque were set on fire during the riots.