NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday convicted former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain and four others in the murder case of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma, bringing a significant development in one of the most closely watched trials connected to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The verdict comes more than six years after the communal violence that claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds injured across several parts of the national capital.
Court Delivers Verdict After Lengthy Trial
The judgment was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh at Delhi’s Karkardooma Court. Hussain was convicted on charges that included murder, kidnapping, rioting and promoting enmity. However, the court did not find sufficient evidence to convict him on the charge of criminal conspiracy.
Along with Hussain, four other accused were also convicted in connection with the killing of IB officer Ankit Sharma. At the same time, several other accused facing trial in the case were acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence against them. The detailed judgment is expected to provide the reasoning behind the convictions and acquittals.
The verdict marks an important milestone in the legal proceedings arising from the communal violence that engulfed Northeast Delhi in February 2020.
Murder That Shocked the Nation
The case relates to the death of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the Northeast Delhi riots in February 2020. According to the prosecution, Sharma had stepped out of his home during the violence but failed to return.
His family later reported him missing, and his body was subsequently recovered from a drain near Chand Bagh. The incident drew nationwide attention because Sharma was serving as an Intelligence Bureau official, and the brutality of his killing became one of the defining incidents of the riots.
An FIR was registered at Dayalpur Police Station based on a complaint filed by Sharma’s father, who alleged that his son had been attacked and murdered by a mob allegedly linked to Hussain and others. The investigation that followed involved witness statements, forensic evidence and other material collected by Delhi Police over several years.
Charges Framed Against the Accused
The prosecution argued that Hussain played an active role during the riots and was responsible for leading or participating in unlawful activities that resulted in Sharma’s death.
During the trial, prosecutors presented documentary evidence, witness testimonies and other material to establish the sequence of events surrounding the murder. Hussain denied the allegations and maintained that he had been falsely implicated in the case.
The court ultimately held him guilty of murder and several related offences but concluded that the prosecution had not established the offence of criminal conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt.
The verdict distinguishes between direct criminal liability and conspiracy, leading to Hussain’s conviction on major charges while acquitting him of conspiracy.
A Case Closely Linked to the 2020 Delhi Riots
The Northeast Delhi riots erupted in February 2020 during protests related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The violence spread rapidly across several neighbourhoods, leading to deaths, injuries and extensive damage to homes, businesses and places of worship.
Official figures later recorded more than 50 deaths, making it one of the deadliest episodes of communal violence in Delhi in recent years. The riots also resulted in hundreds of criminal cases, multiple investigations and prolonged court proceedings involving several accused persons.
The murder of Ankit Sharma became one of the most prominent cases because of his position as an Intelligence Bureau officer and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Political Fallout for Tahir Hussain
Tahir Hussain, who had served as an elected municipal councillor, came under intense scrutiny soon after the riots. Following the allegations against him, he faced multiple criminal cases linked to the communal violence.
Also Read: AIIMS Bhopal Explores Integrative Healthcare With Lecture On Homeopathy, ALS Research
Over the years, courts heard several bail applications and examined evidence in different riot-related cases involving Hussain. The present conviction represents one of the most significant legal outcomes against the former councillor.
The case also attracted widespread political attention because Hussain was formerly associated with the Aam Aadmi Party before facing legal action in connection with the riots.
What Happens Next?
Following the conviction, the court is expected to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence before announcing the punishment for the convicted persons.
Under Indian law, offences such as murder can attract severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty depending on the circumstances of the case. The exact sentence will be determined after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
Legal experts note that the convicted individuals retain the right to challenge the verdict before a higher court through the appellate process.
The judgment represents another significant chapter in the judicial examination of the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. While the conviction concludes one phase of the trial, appeals and further legal proceedings are likely to continue. The detailed court order is expected to clarify the evidentiary findings that led to the convictions, acquittals and the decision to drop the criminal conspiracy charge against Tahir Hussain.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
