Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Delhi Police Seeks Death Penalty for 2020 Riots Convicts
During the 2020 Delhi riots, a man named Ankit Sharma was killed by a mob.
The police have asked the court to give the death penalty to five people, including a former city councilor named Tahir Hussain, who were found guilty of killing Sharma.
The police say the murder was very cruel and that the people who did it should be punished severely.
The defense lawyers, however, say that the specific roles of the convicts were not clearly proven and that the death penalty should only be given in very rare cases.
The court will decide on the punishment on July 31, 2024.
Delhi Police seeks death penalty for Tahir Hussain and four others in the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots.
The court convicted the five individuals for murder, rioting, and other charges, but acquitted six others.
The prosecution argues that the murder was heinous and that the convicts showed no mercy, deserving the death penalty.
The defense contends that the specific roles of the convicts were not clearly established and that mitigating circumstances should be considered.
The court will announce the sentence on July 31, 2024.
- Who
- Ankit Sharma (victim), Tahir Hussain and four others (convicts)
- What
- Murder of Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots
- When
- July 13, 2024 (conviction), July 31, 2024 (sentencing hearing)
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- The convicts were part of a mob that attacked Sharma, leading to his death.
Prosecution's Argument
Defense's Argument
Nature of the Crime
Prosecution's Argument
The prosecution argues that the murder was heinous, brutal, and cold-blooded, deserving the death penalty.
Defense's Argument
The defense contends that the specific role of the convicts was not clearly established and that mitigating circumstances should be considered.
Role of the Convicts
Prosecution's Argument
The prosecution asserts that the convicts acted with intent and showed no mercy, making them unworthy of leniency.
Defense's Argument
The defense argues that the convicts' roles were not specifically attributed and that the death penalty should only be given in the rarest of rare cases.
Context of the Riots
Prosecution's Argument
The prosecution emphasizes the context of the riots, stating that the murder should be seen in the broader context of the violence.
Defense's Argument
The defense argues that the police's inability to control the mob means a single individual cannot be held solely responsible.
- Victim
- Ankit Sharma
- Convicts
- Tahir Hussain and four others
- Date of Conviction
- July 13, 2024
- Date of Sentencing Hearing
- July 31, 2024
- Charges
- Murder, rioting, kidnapping, promoting enmity, disobedience to public servant
- Injuries on Victim
- 51 wounds, 18 inflicted with sharp weapons
- Number of Acquitted Accused
- 6 out of 11
Sources
Delhi Police seeks death penalty for Tahir Hussain, court reserves order
‘A cold-blooded murder’: Delhi Police seeks death penalty for Tahir Hussain, 4 others in 2020 riots case
Police seek death penalty for Tahir Hussain, 4 others
2020 Delhi riots: Police seek death penalty for Tahir Hussain, 4 others for IB staffer’s murder
