Charges Framed Against Ishrat Jahan and 12 Others in Connection with 2020 Delhi Riots

Ishrat Jahan

In a significant development, a court in the national capital has formally framed charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, and attempt to murder former Congress councilor Ishrat Jahan and 12 other individuals in connection with the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The accused, including Jahan, Khalid Saifi, Vikram Pratap, Samir Ansari, Sabu Ansari, Iqbal Ahmed, Anzaar, Mohd. Ilyas, Mohd. Bilal Saifi, Salim Ahmed, Mohd. Yameen, and Sharif Khan, faced charges after being discharged for offenses under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act.

The court presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, framed charges for offenses such as rioting, assault, and attempt to murder under various sections of the IPC. The judge noted that there were prima facie grounds to presume the accused’s involvement in the alleged offenses.

The accused persons were charged for their alleged involvement in riotous activities, obstructing public servants, and attempting to cause harm to deter them from their duties during the riots.

The court’s observations highlighted that public witnesses had mentioned the unlawful assembly, instigation by Jahan and Saifi, and violence against the police despite repeated requests to disperse.

During the framing of charges, the court took into account the statements of the injured head constable and emphasized the need for further clarification during the trial.

The case revolves around allegations that the accused, including Jahan and Saifi, participated in a protest during the riots, refusing to comply with police orders to disperse.

In a separate decision, the court discharged the accused under specific sections of the Arms Act. The prosecution’s claim that a juvenile possessed the firearm used in the incident was cited as the reason for their discharge under these sections.

The framing of charges marks a crucial development in the legal proceedings related to the 2020 Delhi riots, and the trial is expected to shed light on the events that transpired during those tumultuous times. The accused individuals will now face the formal legal process to determine their guilt or innocence in the charges leveled against them.