Delhi Violence 2020: Court frames charges against three for arson, rioting

New Delhi, February 13: A Delhi court has framed charges against three men for setting Janati Masjid afire in the Gokupuri area during the Northeast Delhi violence in 2020. The accused have also been charged with vandalism and rioting. Additional Session Judge Virender Bhat charged three men Deepak, Prince and Shiv under sections related to riots, unlawful assembly, theft, mischief and arson of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the basis of the statement of two public witnesses Shareem and Sajid, a video containing the visuals of accused persons and the CFSL report of the video. Notably, the recording of the statement of two witnesses was delayed, regarding which the Court said, "It needs to be kept in mind that on account of atmosphere of terror and trauma due to unprecedented riots that had taken in North-East District of Delhi, the public got immensely traumatized to the extent that nobody was willing to come forward and make a statement to the police with regards to the incidents of violence which they had witnessed." Also Read | Punjab Elections 2022: EC permits Political parties to campaign from 6 am to 10 pm The Court further observed that "It would be highly unjustified to disbelieve the witnesses' statement at the threshold without testing their version on the touchstone of the cross-examination during the course of the trial. Thus the Court found prima facie sufficient material to frame charges against the accused persons." According to the witness accounts, all the three accused have been identified as rioters who vandalized and set the Janati Mosque on fire on 24 February 2020. Furthermore, they can be clearly seen in the video footage. According to the prosecution, the Police station on 24 February 2020 had received information that some people are demolishing the mosque on Gokulpuri main road, Sabhapur and about 15-20 persons were trapped inside the mosque. Following this, the fire brigade vehicle and police team were rushed to the spot, however, nobody was found trapped in the mosque. As per the prosecution, about 400-500 people with wooden and iron rods had gathered at the spot, resorting to vandalization as well as arson in the area. Also Read | Amritsar artist makes painting to encourage voters ahead of Punjab elections 2022 -PTC News