A Delhi court has directed further investigation against BJP leader and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra regarding his alleged involvement in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The order was passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia of the Rouse Avenue Courts, who found sufficient grounds for further probe into Mishra’s role.
The judge ruled that there was a cognizable offence found against Mishra in relation to one of the incidents mentioned in the complaint. The court noted that the evidence presented by the prosecution indicated Mishra’s presence in the area during the riots and that "all the things were corroborating." A detailed order on the matter is awaited.
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The complaint was filed by Mohd. Ilyas, who accused Mishra and his associates of being involved in violent activities on February 23, 2020. According to Ilyas, Mishra was seen blocking a road and destroying street vendors’ carts while being accompanied by the then deputy commissioner of police (northeast) and other officers. He alleged that the officers issued warnings to protestors, asking them to vacate the area or face consequences.
The Delhi Police, however, opposed the complaint, arguing that there was a well-planned conspiracy to frame Kapil Mishra. The police submitted that Mishra had no role in the riots and was being falsely implicated.
The prosecution referenced messages exchanged in WhatsApp groups such as the Delhi Protest Support Group (DPSG) and claimed that a social media campaign using the hashtag #ArrestKapilMishra was orchestrated to frame him. The police further stated that WhatsApp messages were being circulated at the time, spreading rumors that a mob led by Mishra had instigated the violence.
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In October last year, the Delhi Police submitted a report suggesting that the riots were the result of a deliberate conspiracy. The police argued that the violence was planned to escalate peaceful protests into "Chakkajaam" (blockades) at strategic locations near mosques and main roads. According to their submission, once a critical mass was achieved, the plan was to escalate protests into full-blown violence.
It was also noted that no incriminating evidence against Mishra was found during the previous investigation.
In his complaint, Mohd. Ilyas demanded the registration of an FIR against Kapil Mishra and several others, including:
- The then SHO of Dayalpur police station
- BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht
- Former BJP MLAs Jagdish Pradhan and Satpal Sansad
- Two additional individuals who were allegedly involved
