Acquittal in Delhi Riot Case: A Legal Victory for Doubt

A court in Delhi acquitted two men accused of arson during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots due to insufficient evidence. The decision was based on the prosecution's inability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, despite relying on a video for identification.

In a significant development, a Delhi court has acquitted two individuals, Prashant Malhotra and Gaurav, of charges linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The court found the prosecution's evidence insufficient to prove the accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Additional Sessions Judge Parveen Singh presided over the case, which revolved around allegations of arson and vandalism in the Chand Bagh area. The prosecution's case hinged on a viral video used for identifying the accused. However, the court determined that the video did not relate to the specific incident of the February 24, 2020, rioting.

This judgement underscores the legal principle that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which failed to link the video evidence decisively with the accused. The accused were initially charged under multiple sections of the IPC, from rioting to mischief by fire, in connection with the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)