Three Delhi riots accused get bail after court says investigation was perfunctory and lackadaisical

A Delhi High Court On Monday granted bail to three accused in the Delhi riots case.

Criticizing the investigation for being “perfunctory”, the court pointed out that though a list of witnesses had been filed, none of their statements u/s. 161 Cr.P.C had been filed with the charge-sheet.

“The charge-sheet was filed on 22.05.2020 in a very lackadaisical manner”, said Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat.

As per the charge-sheet, the Court noted, the case against Osama, Gulfam @ Sonu Chikna and Aatir was lodged on the complaint of one Nasir Ahmad, who has been selling fruits for the last 15 years and owns a godown at T-200, Main Road, Bhojpur, near Victor Public School, Delhi.

On February 25, 2020, a group of more than 100 people looted the fruits worth Rs. 2 lac and burnt two reharis in the godown.

The charge-sheet alleged that the accused had disclosed their roles in the commission of the offence. Accused Aatir and Gulfam were formally arrested on April 8, 2020, from Mandoli Jail and accused namely Osama was formally arrested on April 10, 2020, from Tihar Jail.