Today (February 29): In the 2020 Delhi Riot case, the Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Delhi Police concerning Shahrukh Pathan’s bail application. Pathan gained notoriety for his involvement in the riots, and his bail plea is currently under review by the court. The court’s request for the police response indicates a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
NEW DELHI: Today (February 29): The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police following a petition filed by Shahrukh Pathan, who was accused of showing a gun at a police officer during the 2020 Delhi riots. Justice Jyoti Singh, presiding over the case, has also requested the nominal roll and scheduled further proceedings for April 16.
READ ALSO: 1993 Train Blast Case: TADA Court Acquitted Abdul Karim Tunda
Pathan faces multiple charges, including rioting, unlawful assembly, hate speech, and promoting enmity between different groups. In December 2021, the trial court framed charges against him and subsequently denied him bail on December 14, 2023.
During court proceedings, Pathan was observed passing a note containing a phone number to a co-accused. Moreover, incidents such as his disappearance while in custody, possession of a mobile phone, altercations with fellow inmates, and conflicts with officials were noted by the trial court.
READ ALSO: Umar Khalid Seeks Bail in North East Delhi Violence Case
Considering the gravity of the accusations against Pathan and the incriminating video evidence depicting him aiming a gun at a police officer, the trial court refused bail. Consequently, Pathan filed an appeal with the High Court, seeking relief from the denial of bail.
The defense counsel pointed out that despite the court’s directive for a day-to-day trial since March 7, 2023, the trial has not commenced even after the eighth scheduled hearing.
Conversely, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Anuj Handa, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the bail plea. He highlighted the accused’s misconduct in jail, including encounters with perpetrators of the Red Fort bomb blast, repeated summonses by jail authorities, and the recovery of a mobile phone in his possession.
READ ALSO: [BREAKING] Trinamool Congress Sheikh Shahjahan: 10 Days in Custody for Sandeshkhali Probe
The defense countered by emphasizing that the maximum sentence for the accused is 10 years and arguing that the case’s delay cannot be attributed to him. They questioned whether they should be incarcerated for reasons beyond their control, such as the non-production of other accused individuals.
