Delhi Court Orders FIR Against BJP Leader Kapil Mishra Over 2020 North East Delhi Riots
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a substantial development, a Delhi court has directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP leader and former Minister Kapil Mishra, citing the discovery of a cognizable offence related to the 2020 North East Delhi riots. The order was passed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasiya at the House Avenue Court.
The court’s directive follows a detailed examination of the evidences presented by the prosecution, which revealed Mishra’s presence in the riot-affected area. The investigation is set to continue, as the court deemed it necessary to probe further into Mishra’s alleged involvement in the incidents that unfolded during the violence.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by Muhammad Ilyas, who accused Mishra and several others, including BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht, former BJP MLA Jagdish Pradhan, and Satpal Sansad, of orchestrating and participating in the riots. The complaint alleges that on February 23, 2020, Mishra and his associates’ blocked roads and destroyed street vendors’ carts while openly carrying firearms, with police officials reportedly warning protesters to vacate the area.
The Delhi Police had previously opposed the complaint, claiming that Mishra was being falsely implicated in a conspiracy to frame him for the riots. They asserted that Mishra had no role in the violence and that the evidence suggested a coordinated effort to tarnish his image. The prosecution also highlighted WhatsApp messages from groups like the Delhi Protest Support Group (DPSG), which allegedly aimed to create a narrative against Mishra using hashtags like #ArrestKapilMishra.
Investigation and Police Stance
The Delhi Police’s investigation, as submitted in October of the previous year, suggested that the riots were the outcome of a larger conspiracy designed to incite violence in Muslim-majority areas near mosques and major roads. The police claimed that there was no incriminating evidence linking Mishra directly to the violence.
Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad represented the Delhi Police during the proceedings, while the detailed court order is awaited for further insights into the case.
This development marks a pivotal point in the ongoing investigation into the 2020 North East Delhi riots, with the legal process now poised to delve deeper into the allegations against Kapil Mishra and others involved.
