Delhi Court Orders FIR Against BJP Minister Kapil Mishra In 2020 Riots Despite Police Finding No Incriminating Evidence

On Tuesday (1 April), a Delhi Court ordered the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and an extended inquiry against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra for his purported involvement in the 2020 disturbances in the northeastern region of the city, Indian Express reported.

The request of complainant Mohammad Ilyas, a resident of Yamuna Vihar, for an FIR against Mishra, the then Station House Officer (SHO) of Dayalpur police station, and five others, including BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht and ex-party legislator Jagdish Pradhan, was granted by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia.

The judge, in approving the plea, observed that a cognizable offence had been committed by Mishra, who became Delhi's Law and Justice Minister after the BJP came to power in February this year.

During the period of 24 to 26 February in 2020, Northeast Delhi was shaken by communal violence. The conflict resulted in the tragic loss of 53 lives, left more than 500 people wounded, and caused damage to properties worth crores.

In the month of February this year, the Delhi Police had refuted the complainant's claim, asserting that Mishra was being unjustly implicated in the case and had no involvement in the Northeast Delhi riots of 2020.

Amit Prasad, the Special Public Prosecutor, informed the court that Mishra had already been thoroughly investigated regarding the overarching conspiracy behind the riots. He stated that no incriminating evidence had been discovered against him.

In his complaint, Ilyas, defended by Mehmood Pracha in court, stated that he observed Mishra and his associates obstructing a road in Kardampuri, Northeast Delhi, and wrecking vendors' stalls. He further alleged that the incumbent Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Northeast Delhi was present at the scene with other officers, cautioning the demonstrators to leave the vicinity or be prepared for the repercussions.

The individual lodging the complaint also claimed to have witnessed the former Dayalpur SHO, in conjunction with BJP leaders Pradhan and Bisht, engaging in the destruction of mosques throughout Northeast Delhi.