Court slams police for lack of evidence and shattered lives; will those who destroyed the lives of innocent Muslims ever be held answerable?
NEW DELHI — A long-awaited moment of relief and tears of joy filled the homes of six Muslim families on Thursday, as the Karkardooma Court in Delhi ordered the release of six Muslim youths who had spent the past five years in jail without proven charges linked to the 2020 Delhi riots.
The court released Gulzar, Shahzad, Wajid, Sajid, Shahbaz, and Salim, stating that the Delhi Police failed to produce any solid evidence to prove the allegations of arson and looting levelled against them. The decision exposes serious flaws in the investigations carried out during the riots, which continue to haunt many Muslim families across Delhi.
In its verdict, the court noted that the accusations were unsupported and weak, making the imprisonment of these Muslim youths unjustifiable. A court official stated, “No substantial evidence was placed before us. The prosecution could not prove guilt beyond doubt.”
The ruling has raised strong questions about the conduct of the police during the 2020 riots. Many Muslims believe that innocent youths were targeted and arrested without proper inquiry. Families and community members are now demanding accountability.
Shahzad’s elderly mother, speaking through tears, said, “My son lost five years of his life for something he never did. Who will give him back those years?”
Her question echoes across the Muslim community, where anger and pain remain fresh. Many now want to know whether those who ordered these arrests will face consequences.
A local resident asked, “If the police had no evidence, why were these young men put in jail for five years? Will anyone answer for this injustice?”
Credit Goes to Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
The families credited Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and its National President, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, for standing by them during their darkest years. “If the Jamiat had not supported us, we would have broken down long ago,” said Wajid’s father. “Maulana Madani and his team gave us hope when no one else cared.”
The Jamiat provided legal aid, arranged lawyers, and continued fighting the cases even when many families had lost courage. Their efforts have been central to securing justice for numerous Muslim victims of false charges.
According to the organisation, it has secured bail in 600 Delhi riots cases and is still fighting 267 ongoing legal battles involving Muslim youths who were arrested during and after the violence.
Maulana Madani responded to the verdict by saying, “We will continue to help every oppressed family. Justice cannot be denied forever.”
For many of the released youths, freedom comes with uncertainty. Their youth was spent behind bars, their education and careers halted, and their reputations damaged due to allegations that now stand disproven.
Salim’s elder brother shared his disappointment, saying, “My brother entered jail as a teenager. He is now a grown man. His dreams were taken away for no reason.”
Apart from legal assistance, the Jamiat team has also repaired damaged homes and shops, provided financial aid to affected families, and helped them restart their lives after the riots.
Compensation Demanded
While the verdict has brought relief, it has also reignited an unresolved debate: Should innocent Muslims bear the cost of false cases and prolonged imprisonment? Many community members are demanding compensation and punishment for officials who filed baseless charges.
A neighbour of one of the acquitted youths remarked, “These young men suffered for five years while the real rioters roam free. Will they get justice in full, or is this the end of the story?”
Legal experts believe the ruling could open the door for more acquittals, as several other Muslim youths remain trapped in similar cases where evidence is weak or missing.
The Delhi riots of 2020 left deep scars on the lives of many Muslims. The release of these six youths may offer a moment of relief, but the trauma endured by their families cannot be erased.
As Gulzar walked out of jail, he said quietly, “My freedom feels empty. I lost five years, but I did not lose my faith.” His words reflect the strength and patience shown by countless Muslim families who continue to fight for justice, dignity, and recognition of the truth.
The question that now stands before the authorities is clear:
Will those who destroyed the lives of these innocent Muslims ever be held answerable, or will justice end only at the prison gates?
