Four accused of vandalism in Delhi riot acquitted
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New Delhi: A court in Delhi has acquitted four accused of rioting and vandalism in the communal violence of northeast Delhi in 2020. The bench said the prosecution wasn't able to prove their involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution has not been able to prove its case against the accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the touchstone of criminal law. Hence, all four accused persons are acquitted of all the offences," said Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat.
The court was hearing the case against Shahrukh, Ashu, Zuber, and Ashwani. They were accused of being a part of a riotous mob that set fire to tractors and hand carts. The prosecution also alleged that they ransacked school buses at a parking lot at Kardam Puri.
The incident took place on February 25, 2020.
According to the prosecution, two witnesses identified the accused. But, witnesses in their examination-in-chief said they never identified any riots or told cops about the identity of the accused. Both witnesses denied that they knew of any involvement of the accused in the riot. The court observed that nothing incriminatory had come on record against the accused.
The 2020 Delhi riots took place over 10 days when supporters and opposers of the CAA took to the streets and protests took a violent turn. 53 people died and over 200 were injured. Places of business and worship were attacked when the riot took a communal turn.