Delhi Riots

 DELHI RIOTS

After the Citizenship Amendment was passed in the Parliament, a widespread criticism was faced all over the country. Some of the politicians arranged made speeches at the gathering against Anti-CAA protestors, instigating them to the attacks against them. This led to the attacks and riots against many Muslims in the Delhi. The Pro-CAA protesters led attacks against Anti-CAA protestors after inspiring from the speeches of the politicians. No politician came to stop the riots. Many mosques, madrasahs, houses, and shops belonging to Muslims were burnt, destroyed and robbed. Many Muslims were killed and some went missing. Many of the Muslims in the riot hit area were terrified and some of them, even evacuated their residences and settled at different places. There was no immediate police action, which resulted in this severe loss. Even after the CM of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, ordered Police to take action, they failed to do so. Thus, Army had to intervene to resolve the issue. There were some reports stating that Police were also involved in the riots and even committed sexual assault against Muslim women. Even after a lot of allegations against the Politicians and Police, the Police have given a clean chit for politicians and for themselves.

Many FIRs were registered against both Hindus and Muslims, who have attacked and injured the people. The huge human loss can be stated was caused due to the inaction of the police immediately. Most of the Muslims against whom the suits had been filed, were released on bail by the Delhi High Court, as the evidence provided has not met the requirements of the allegations made against them. Even, the FIR registered was late and some of the petitioners have not even identified the accused. So, those who were in the jail, who innocence was not proved and were not granted bail, don’t mean they have committed the crime. The faulty investigation, inadequate evidence led to the prolonged court procedure and thus, injustice was caused to the accused.

The judge, who condemned the inaction of the police, has been transferred to Punjab & Haryana High Court overnight, stating that the decision was made based in the recommendation of Supreme Court Collegium.

A new bench was formed to continue the hearing and ordered the police to file FIRs against the politicians, who made hate speeches. But the government advocate requested for more time, and has been accepted by the new bench, which was rejected by the earlier bench.

The Court has charged three men Deepak, Prince, Shiv for allegedly vandalizing a mosque and setting it on fire on February 24, 2020.

The Delhi High Court had sentenced and convicted the first man, Dinesh Yadav connected to Delhi Riots for setting a house on fire and robbing it, to a period of five years in jail. Dinesh Yadav was convicted under the Sections 143, 147, 148, 457, 392, 436 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Since, there was only adequate evidence to convict Dinesh Yadav only under the Section 149 and considering the age of him, and the fact that he is the first time offender, the Court had awarded the sentence.

Even now, many FIRs are yet to be filed and court proceedings will have to be taken place. In this case, the court procedure has been delayed and as, the Justice delayed is Justice denied, in the opinion of the author, injustice has occurred to the victims of the Delhi Riots.

Delhi Riots by Velanati Jyothirmai @ Lex Cliq