2020 Delhi riots: Court acquits two of rioting, arson and dacoity charges

A court here on Friday acquitted two people of the charges of rioting, arson and dacoity in a case of the 2020 northeast Delhi communal riots.

The court was hearing the case registered on the complaint of Saleem Khan accusing the two of being part of a riotous mob that committed robbery and set ablaze his two shopsa salon and automobile spare parts storein Sadatpur village on February 24, 2020.

I find that charges levelled against both the accused persons are not proved beyond reasonable doubt. Hence, accused Mahender and Dharmender are acquitted of all the charges levelled against them in this case, Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala said.

The court said the identification of the accused persons in the present case was doubtful".

Pointing out the inconsistencies in the evidence, the court said the complainant had contradicted the investigating officer's (IOs) claim of having identified both the accused.

Also, despite reference being made by an on-duty constable, no vid