New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – A Delhi court has acquitted six individuals accused in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots, citing inconsistencies in the testimony of two key police witnesses. The verdict raises concerns over the credibility of the prosecution’s case, particularly regarding the identification of the accused.
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala was hearing the case filed by Gokalpuri Police Station, which alleged that the six accused were part of a riotous mob involved in arson, theft, and mischief by fire or explosives in Gokalpuri on February 25, 2020.
In an order dated January 24, the court noted that the prosecution had relied heavily on the testimony of assistant sub-inspectors Vanvir and Jahangir to establish the accused’s identities. However, both officers were examined only in December 2020, almost 10 months after the incident.
"If they knew the names of the accused persons and had seen them among the rioters, there was no need for them to identify them through video footage," the court observed.
Moreover, ASI Vanvir admitted that the video he referenced did not pertain to the incident in question, further weakening the prosecution’s claims. The court also pointed out that ASI Jahangir failed to identify three accused individuals in court, further diminishing the reliability of the testimony.
The ruling underscores the importance of timely and credible witness testimonies in criminal cases, particularly in sensitive matters such as the 2020 Delhi riots, which saw widespread violence and destruction.
Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala was hearing the case filed by Gokalpuri Police Station, which alleged that the six accused were part of a riotous mob involved in arson, theft, and mischief by fire or explosives in Gokalpuri on February 25, 2020.
In an order dated January 24, the court noted that the prosecution had relied heavily on the testimony of assistant sub-inspectors Vanvir and Jahangir to establish the accused’s identities. However, both officers were examined only in December 2020, almost 10 months after the incident.
Court Highlights Delays and Contradictions
The court raised doubts over this delay, questioning why the investigating officer (IO) did not provide any justification for it, especially since both officers were posted at the same police station during the riots."If they knew the names of the accused persons and had seen them among the rioters, there was no need for them to identify them through video footage," the court observed.
Moreover, ASI Vanvir admitted that the video he referenced did not pertain to the incident in question, further weakening the prosecution’s claims. The court also pointed out that ASI Jahangir failed to identify three accused individuals in court, further diminishing the reliability of the testimony.
Verdict: Acquittal Due to Lack of Evidence
Given these discrepancies, the court ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the six accused—Arjun, Gopal, Dharamveer, Umesh, Dheeraj, and Manish—were acquitted.The ruling underscores the importance of timely and credible witness testimonies in criminal cases, particularly in sensitive matters such as the 2020 Delhi riots, which saw widespread violence and destruction.
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