Five Years After Delhi Riots: Wave of Acquittals Leaves Justice in Question

As many victims continue to seek justice five years after the violent clashes in Delhi, a significant number of police cases have collapsed due to evidence shortcomings and questionable investigation practices, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the legal system.

Five years have passed since the devastating Delhi riots of 2020, yet the quest for justice remains elusive for numerous victims and their families. An in-depth analysis by BBC Hindi reveals a staggering 80% of court rulings in connection with the riots have resulted in acquittals or case dismissals. The clashes, incited by opposition to a controversial citizenship law, resulted in over 50 deaths, largely among the Muslim community, and extensive property damage.

These riots, among the deadliest in decades, were marked by widespread police accusations of premeditated violence against protestors. With over 758 cases registered and more than 2,000 arrests made, including that of student activists under stringent anti-terror regulations, the judicial proceedings have been dogged by lapses and inconsistencies, leading to doubts about the integrity of the investigations.

Among the 126 cases reviewed by BBC Hindi, 80% ended without convictions, raising concerns that witness intimidation and hostile testimonies have undermined the credibility of prosecutions. In cases related to murder, only one conviction emerged from 62 charges. Throughout the analysis, judges have criticized Delhi police for their poor investigative practices and premature charges that seemed to be politically motivated.

Victims like Shadab Alam, who spent 80 days in jail, recount the trauma endured during the riots and subsequent arrests, emphasizing the injustice faced once charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. The judiciary has also criticized the integrity of police testimony, leading to questions about their accountability.

Despite multiple acquittals and severe criticism of the police's actions, many individuals arrested during the unrest, like activist Gulfisha Fatima, remain incarcerated as they await trial. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the legal system in arriving at fair resolutions, as calls for accountability intensify.

Former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur urged a deeper reflection within law enforcement on the outcomes of their investigations, emphasizing the need for responsibility, particularly when incarceration proves to be unwarranted.

As trials continue to drag on for some, the families of those still awaiting justice live in uncertainty, hoping for a resolution in a complex legal landscape marred by past injustices and systemic failures.