Karkardooma Court Acquits 12 Accused In Delhi Riots Murder Cases

Karkardooma Court acquitted all 12 accused in two 2020 Delhi Riots murder cases for lack of evidence.

Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala stated that the WhatsApp group messages did not prove the accused’s involvement.

He explained that the posts might simply boost one’s image within the group, and without solid evidence, they do not prove guilt.

Key Accused Acquitted By Court

Among those acquitted were Lokesh Solanki, along with Pankaj Sharma, Ankit Chaudhary, Prince, Jatin Sharma alias Rohit, Himanshu Thakur, Vivek Panchal alias Nandu, Rishabh Chaudhary alias Tapas, Sumit Chaudhary alias Badshah, Tinku Arora, Sandeep alias Mogli, and Sahil alias Babu.

Murders occurred on February 25–26, 2020, with bodies found in a drain a week later.

Delhi Police had linked the crimes to a WhatsApp group called ‘Hardline Hindu Unity’.

Prosecutors claimed the chats contained confessions about the murders and disposal, and investigators used IP addresses and forged SIM cards to ID the accused.

Police Investigation And Charge Sheet

Lokesh Solanki was the first to be arrested, and subsequent arrests were made based on his interrogation.

The charge sheet states that rioters killed nine people near the Jal Board culvert between Bhagirathi Vihar and Ganga Vihar in the North East District.

The WhatsApp group, managed by an admin named Hrithik, had 125 members, including those accused of participating in the violence.

The decision underscores the challenge of relying on digital evidence without physical proof in high-profile cases.

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