A Delhi court reserved its order on the quantum of sentence for former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the 2020 murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the North-East Delhi riots. The Delhi Police urged the court to award the death penalty, describing the killing as a "cold-blooded" and exceptionally brutal crime. The court is scheduled to pronounce its sentencing order on July 31.
Background of the Case
The case arises from FIR No. 65/2020 registered at Dayalpur Police Station on the complaint of Ankit Sharma's father, Ravinder Kumar.
According to the complaint, Sharma left home on February 25, 2020, to purchase household items during the violence in North-East Delhi but did not return. His body was later recovered from a drain near Chand Bagh Pulia. The prosecution alleged that Sharma was attacked by a mob during the riots and that Tahir Hussain, along with others, was involved in the incident.
Earlier this month, the trial court convicted Tahir Hussain along with Nazir, Asim, Javed and Anas for offences including murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and promoting enmity. Hussain, however, was acquitted of the charge of criminal conspiracy.
Court Proceedings
The matter came up before Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh of the Karkardooma Courts for hearing arguments on the appropriate sentence.
Appearing for the prosecution, the Delhi Police argued that the case deserved the maximum punishment. The prosecution submitted that Sharma was abducted, repeatedly assaulted and suffered multiple injuries before his death.
The prosecutor told the court,
"Ankit Sharma was abducted and relentlessly assaulted before he was killed."
It was further argued that the nature of the injuries reflected the brutality of the crime and justified the death penalty.
Police counsel also submitted,
"Those who want mercy should also show mercy," while opposing any plea for leniency.
Defence Arguments
Counsel representing Tahir Hussain and the other convicts opposed the demand for capital punishment. They argued that the death sentence can be imposed only in the "rarest of rare" cases and contended that the evidence did not establish any criminal conspiracy.
The defence also pointed out that several accused in the case had been acquitted and submitted that the court should consider mitigating circumstances, including Hussain's conduct during custody, before deciding the sentence.
Court's Decision
After hearing detailed submissions from both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh reserved the order on sentencing.
The court announced that it will deliver its decision on the quantum of sentence on July 31.
