Lawyer Satnarain Sharma, who was appearing for Tabrez Khan, argued that the local police had falsely implicated him in the matter.
NEW DELHI — In a jolt to the Delhi Police, a Delhi court on Friday granted bail to a prime accused in the Jahangirpuri riots that took place on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
The court asked Tabrez Khan to file a bond of Rs 25,000 for bail.
Lawyer Satnarain Sharma, who was appearing for Khan, argued that the local police had falsely implicated him in the matter.
“The entire case of the prosecution is based upon the CCTV footage and there are around 50 accused in the present case. It would take a long time to conclude the trial and hence Tabrez Khan may kindly be released on bail,” he said.
Police opposed the bail saying he was held on the basis of CCTV footage in a case where eight police personnel were attacked and he was one of the prime accused.
The court, however, said that no purposes would be served by keeping him in jail and granted bail.
Earlier, on May 7, a Rohini court came down heavily on the police saying it “utterly failed” to stop the illegal procession into Muslim areas on the day of Hanuman Jyanti. The Delhi court observed that instead of stopping the illegal procession, which did not have permission, police accompanied it.
“It is fairly admitted on behalf of the state that the last procession, which was passing through during which the unfortunate riots took place, was illegal having no prior permission from (the) police,” said the judge.
The Crime Branch has chargesheeted 37 persons in connection with the riot including Tabrez Khan.
“Tarbez, Irshfil and Mohammed Ansar are the main accused among 37. Irshfil is on the run in the matter. The charge sheet was filed under sections 147, 148, 149, 186, 353, 332, 323,427, 436,307,120B IPC read with 27 Arms Act,” an official said.
Communal Violence broke out in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri on April 16 during a Hanuman Jayanti rally. Following the rioting, the local administration demolished houses and shops in the area mainly belonging to Muslims. Nine people including eight policemen were injured in the violence during which stones were pelted and shots were fired. — IANS (Inputs added)