A Delhi court has given life imprisonment to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in the murder case of IB officer Ankit Sharma.
The verdict was announced on Friday by Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh. Four other people were also given life sentences in the same case.
This is one of the biggest developments linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.
Court Calls It A "Brutal" Murder
The court called Ankit Sharma’s killing "brutal" and said he was killed by a murderous mob.
However, the judge said the prosecution could not prove that the convicts could not be reformed. So instead of the death penalty, the court gave life imprisonment to Hussain and 4 others.
What Happened To Ankit Sharma In 2020?
As per the prosecution:
- On February 25, 2020, violence broke out near Chand Bagh Pulia in northeast Delhi.
- Ankit Sharma was near his home in Khajuri Khas and tried to calm the two groups.
- He was allegedly kidnapped by a mob of 20-25 people, beaten and stabbed multiple times.
- His body was found in a nearby drain the next day.
Political Reactions After Verdict
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta targeted AAP after the judgment. She asked Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia to explain their past links with Hussain.
BJP’s Amit Malviya also posted on X, calling Hussain a former "close associate" of Kejriwal.
Arvind Kejriwal replied saying Hussain was expelled from AAP long ago and questioned his later political activities.
Who Is Tahir Hussain?
- Tahir Hussain was elected as an AAP councillor from northeast Delhi in 2017.
- He was suspended by AAP after his arrest in multiple riot-related cases.
- With this new verdict, he will now serve life in prison for Ankit Sharma’s murder.
The court’s decision is being called an important step for justice for families affected by the Delhi riots.
What are your thoughts on the verdict?