The Verdict and Sentencing
Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh at the Karkardooma Court handed down the life sentence under Section 302 (murder) read with Section 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC. The four other co-convicts facing identical life terms are Nazim, Kasim, Javed, and Anas. They were also awarded separate, concurrent prison terms for rioting, promoting religious enmity, abduction, and unlawful assembly.
Brutality of the Crime
The case stems from the tragic death of 26-year-old IB official Ankit Sharma, who went missing during the peak of communal violence in Chand Bagh. His body was later recovered from a nearby drain, showing extreme trauma. Forensic data and post-mortem reports confirmed that Sharma was abducted and relentlessly assaulted, suffering 51 distinct injuries inflicted with blunt force and sharp weapons. Judge Singh remarked that the victim was sucked in by a murderous mob baying for blood and targeted “solely on account of his religion”.
Why the Court Denied the Death Penalty
While the prosecution strongly argued for capital punishment, the court ruled that the case did not meet the legal threshold of the “rarest of rare” doctrine required for the death penalty. The judge noted mitigating factors, pointing out that the convicts had no proven record of being beyond reformation. Additionally, the court viewed the poor educational background of the four co-convicts as a factor making them highly susceptible to manipulation and misinformation during active communal frenzy.
Aftermath and Reactions
- Political Clash: The ruling triggered a fierce political war of words. Leaders from the [BJP](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/triumph-of-justice-vs-hussain-a-bjp-man-parties-trade-barbs after-tahir-hussain-verdict/article71291345.ece) used the verdict to argue it proved institutional backing for the riots, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reiterated that they had expelled Hussain immediately after the initial FIR was registered against him in 2020.
- Victim’s Family: Speaking to the media, Ankit Sharma’s brother expressed that while they welcome the conviction, the family plans to move the High Court to demand the death penalty due to the sheer cruelty of the murder.
- Defense Stance: Upon being escorted from the courtroom, Hussain maintained his stance of innocence and claimed he would challenge the order in the Delhi High Court.