A Delhi court on Tuesday directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Delhi Law and Justice Minister and BJP leader Kapil Mishra for his alleged involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia found a “prima facie” cognisable offence, warranting further investigation.
“It is clear that Mishra was in the area at the time of alleged offence… further probe required,” the judge said.
The court’s decision came in response to a plea by Yamuna Vihar resident Mohammad Ilyas, who accused Mishra and others of inciting violence during the riots. Ilyas alleged that on February 23, 2020, he witnessed Mishra and his associates blocking a road in Kardampuri and damaging vendors’ carts. He also claimed that police officials were present during these actions.
The Delhi Police opposed the plea, asserting that Mishra had no role in the riots and suggesting a conspiracy to falsely implicate him. Despite this, the court emphasised the need for a thorough investigation, noting Mishra’s presence in the area during the alleged offences.
The 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, which occurred between February 24 and 26, resulted in 53 deaths and over 500 injuries.
(With agency inputs)