As legal proceedings continue over the 2020 Delhi riots, a court has directed police to register an FIR against Kapil Mishra, citing corroborating evidence. Mishra and the Delhi Police have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
BY PC Bureau
April 1, 2025
A Delhi court on Tuesday directed further investigation into BJP leader and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra’s alleged involvement in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia of the Rouse Avenue Courts ordered that an FIR be registered against Mishra, stating that a cognizable offense had been found in connection with at least one incident referenced in the complaint.
The court noted that evidence presented by the prosecution indicated Mishra’s presence at the scene and that the details provided were corroborated. A detailed order is awaited.
Complaint and Police Response
The case arises from a complaint filed by Mohd. Ilyas, who has demanded an FIR against Mishra, the then SHO of Dayalpur police station, and five others, including BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht and former MLAs Jagdish Pradhan and Satpal Sansad. Ilyas alleged that on February 23, 2020, he personally witnessed Mishra and his associates blocking roads and destroying street vendors’ carts. He further claimed that the then Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) and other officers were present but did not intervene, instead warning protesters to vacate the area or face consequences.
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Delhi Police Claims Mishra Is Being Framed
The Delhi Police opposed the complaint, asserting that it was part of a planned conspiracy to frame Mishra. They argued that WhatsApp messages from various groups, including the Delhi Protest Support Group (DPSG), showed attempts to create a social media narrative against Mishra, with campaigns using #ArrestKapilMishra.
According to the police, investigations into Mishra’s alleged role had already been conducted, and no incriminating evidence was found. In October last year, they submitted that the riots were part of a conspiracy to escalate protests into large-scale violence, particularly in Muslim-majority areas. They further claimed that false rumors were spread via WhatsApp messages, alleging that a mob led by Mishra had initiated the violence.
Background
The 2020 North-East Delhi riots were among the deadliest communal clashes the capital had seen in decades, leaving over 50 people dead and hundreds injured. The violence erupted amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with allegations that inflammatory speeches played a role in escalating tensions. One such allegation was leveled against BJP leader and Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, who was accused of making provocative statements in the days leading up to the riots. While Mishra has consistently denied any involvement, claims against him have persisted, leading to renewed legal scrutiny.
