Delhi Riots Probe: Court Directs FIR Against Delhi's Law Minister, Orders Investigation into 2020 Clashes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra has suffered a significant setback after the Rouse Avenue Court ordered an investigation against him in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The court's decision came on Tuesday in response to a petition seeking an investigation into Kapil Mishra's alleged role in the communal riots that took place in North East Delhi in 2020.

The communal riots in North East Delhi occurred on February 24, 2020, resulting in the deaths of 53 people and leaving many injured. The petitioner, Mohammad Ilyas, a resident of Yamuna Vihar, had filed a petition demanding the registration of an FIR against Kapil Mishra. The court found that based on the material provided by the Delhi Police, it is evident that Kapil Mishra was present in the Kardampuri area, and a cognizable offence has been committed, which requires investigation. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia stated that it is clear Mishra was present in the area at the time of the alleged crime and further investigation is necessary.

The Delhi Police had opposed the petition, claiming that Kapil Mishra had no role in the riots and that his role was already investigated in the FIR. The police told the court that chats from the DPSG (Delhi Protest Support) group showed that the Chakka Jam was planned well in advance, as early as February 15 and 17, 2020. The prosecution argued that the police investigation revealed that a plan was hatched to put the blame on Mishra. Despite the police's opposition, the court has ordered further investigation into Kapil Mishra's alleged role in the 2020 Delhi riots. Kapil Mishra is currently an MLA from Karawal Nagar and holds important ministries, including law and employment, in the BJP government of Delhi.