Delhi riots: ‘Give them death penalty,’ says slain IB officer Ankit Sharma’s family after Tahir Hussain’s conviction

The family of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma, who was killed during the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, has demanded the death penalty for former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the case, saying justice will be complete only when those found guilty receive the harshest punishment under law.

The demand came a day after the Karkardooma Court convicted Hussain, Nazim, Qasim, Javed and Anas in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots murder case. While the prosecution has also said it will seek the maximum punishment, the family said it is preparing for the legal battle ahead, anticipating appeals against the verdict.

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Family says legal fight is far from over

Speaking to ANI, Ankit Sharma’s brother Ankur Sharma said the family had consistently sought justice and would continue pursuing the case until every person responsible was punished.

“Our stance has been clear ever since the incident involving my brother: he deserves justice. Everyone found guilty must face the harshest possible punishment– the death penalty,” he said.

He said the punishment should serve as a warning to anyone who believes targeted killings can go unpunished.

“We want to ensure that no other family loses a son or a brother the way we lost ours. Our family’s sole desire is for the guilty to face the severest punishment.”

Ankur Sharma also said the family expected further legal proceedings after the conviction.

“We will continue to need everyone’s support, as the accused might appeal the verdict later on. We want to ensure that everyone responsible for my brother’s death is punished,” he said.

Thanking the media, the public and political parties for supporting the family’s pursuit of justice, he said the support would continue to be important if the case moves to higher courts.

‘He wanted to serve the country’

Remembering his brother, Ankur Sharma said Ankit had dreamed since childhood of serving the country through the armed forces or the police.

“He always aspired to be a soldier and even embraced the idea of martyrdom for the country. He constantly thought about the nation and the people,” he said.

He described Ankit as a bright student who graduated from Hansraj College with a BA (Hindi Honours) before securing a government job at a young age.

Ankur Sharma also said his brother was known for maintaining friendships across communities.

Prosecution to press for maximum punishment

Special Public Prosecutor Madhukar Pandey said the prosecution would argue for the maximum punishment during the sentencing proceedings.

“There is enough evidence against all these accused persons. The offence was gruesome. It involved the killing of an IB officer. The postmortem report recorded more than 50 injuries on his body. We will definitely argue that the convicted persons be punished to the maximum extent possible,” he said.

According to the prosecution, sufficient evidence was placed before the court to establish the role of the convicted accused in Sharma’s murder during the 2020 violence.

Delhi Police says investigation stood judicial scrutiny

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha said the investigation into the 2020 North-East Delhi riots was conducted with fairness, impartiality and an evidence-based approach.

“Every effort was made to collect credible evidence and bring those responsible before the law. With the court delivering its judgment, I feel satisfied that the hard work and professionalism of the investigating team have stood the test of judicial scrutiny,” he said.

He added that Delhi Police remained committed to pursuing legal action against everyone responsible for crimes committed during the riots.

Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) HGS Dhaliwal described the Ankit Sharma case as one of the most high-profile investigations arising out of the 2020 riots.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Surender Kumar said the Crime Branch would continue pursuing the matter to secure the maximum punishment for those convicted.

AAP points to appeal, says Hussain has no party links

Reacting to the verdict, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan said the legal process was still underway and expressed hope that the matter would be examined by the Delhi High Court.

“This verdict has come from the Sessions Court, and it is expected that an appeal will be filed in the High Court, where there is hope for justice,” he said.

Separately, the Aam Aadmi Party reiterated that Tahir Hussain has had no association with the party since he was suspended from its primary membership in February 2020 after an FIR was registered against him.

The party also said Hussain later contested the Delhi Assembly election as an AIMIM candidate from Mustafabad.