Delhi Police Initiates Charge Framing in Alleged 2020 Riots Conspiracy

Delhi Police began presenting arguments on the framing of charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots. They allege the riots were part of a conspiracy linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The court hearing focused on the roles of various individuals and organizations in orchestrating the events.

On Thursday, Delhi Police began presenting their arguments for framing charges against individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots. According to the prosecution, the riots were the result of a deep-seated conspiracy formulated after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was presented in Parliament on December 4, 2019. The Karkardooma Court heard arguments concerning several accused, including Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and others.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad referenced the charge sheet, indicating that several groups, such as Pinjra Tod and SIO, played roles in the violent protests. WhatsApp messages, chats, and witness testimony were presented as evidence of the alleged conspiracy. The prosecution emphasized the well-coordinated protests and chakka jaam in Muslim-majority areas, which targeted police and non-Muslims.

Arguments focused on the structured nature of the protests and the strategic selection of dates, notably aligning with the visit of then U.S. President Donald Trump. Prasad argued that the charges were supported by witness testimonies, the orchestrated blocking of North-East Delhi's access points, and tampered CCTV footage. The court postponed further hearings until Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)