Delhi court delays sentencing for Tahir Hussain in Ankit Sharma murder

The Karkardooma Court in Delhi has adjourned the hearing on the quantum of sentence for former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain and four co‑accused. The court, which convicted the five on July 13 for the murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North‑East Delhi riots, set a new date of July 27 to consider the appropriate punishment.

Hussain and the others were found guilty of murder, kidnapping, rioting and promoting enmity between groups. The sentencing could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the court’s decision. The case stems from the February 2020 communal violence that claimed 53 lives, injured many, and caused extensive property damage.

The hearing follows a prior conviction where the court acquitted six additional accused for lack of evidence. Ankit Sharma’s body was recovered from a drain after he was allegedly abducted and stabbed by a mob while attempting to pacify the clashes.