Delhi Riots: High Court Grants Bail To Two Accused Of Killing 85 Yrs Old Woman, One Denied Relief

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to two men accused in the murder case of 85 year old woman, Akbari who died of asphyxiation due to inhaling smoke during the North East Delhi riots after her house was set on fire by a riotous mob. One other accused has however been denied relief.

Detailed order with reasons is yet to be uploaded.

Justice Subramonium Prasad denied bail to Vishal Singh. Relief was granted to Arun Kumar and Ravi Kumar, all booked in FIR 70/2020 registered at Bhajanpura police station. 

The FIR was registered under sec. 302 (punishment for murder), 307 (Attempt to murder), 396 (Dacoity with murder), 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house), 147 (Punishment for rioting), 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of Indian Penal Code. 

About FIR 70/2020 

The case FIR in the matter was registered on February 27, 2020 on the written complaint of one Mohd. Saeed Salmani.

He alleged that while he had gone outside to purchase milk from a nearby shop, his son Asif called him on his mobile phone, informing that a huge crowd with hundreds of people had gathered near his house chanting communal slogans and the said crowd later entered his house by breaking open the locks and set it on fire.

He alleged that his family members and 10 employees, rushed to the top floor of the house to save their lives, but his 85 years old mother Akbari, who was present at the third floor of the building, could not make it to reach roof of the house due to old age.

He further stated that the riotous mob looted Rs. 8 lakhs cash, one box containing gold and silver jewellery and other valuable articles after breaking the almirah from his residence and thereafter put the same on fire.

He further stated that his mother died due to suffocation (Asphyxia due to inhalation of smoke), as she could not reach the top floor or roof of the building.

The story is based on the pronouncement of Court and will be updated with observations after orders are uploaded.

Case Title: State v. Vishal Singh and other connected pleas 

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 68