Delhi Police on Tuesday urged a Delhi court to award the death penalty to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) staffer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. Prosecutors argued that the case falls under the “rarest of rare” category because of the brutality of the killing.
Tahir Hussain Death Penalty: Why Police Want Capital Punishment
During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that Ankit Sharma suffered 51 injuries before his death. It said the attack was deliberate, brutal and shocking enough to justify the maximum punishment under the law.
According to the prosecution, the nature of the crime and the evidence presented during the trial make the case suitable for the death penalty.
Defence Seeks Leniency
Lawyers representing Tahir Hussain opposed the demand for capital punishment. They requested the court to consider mitigating factors while deciding the sentence.
The defence argued that the case does not meet the legal standard required for imposing the death penalty. The court heard arguments from both sides before reserving its decision.
Court Reserves Sentencing Order
The Delhi court has reserved its order on sentencing. The verdict on whether Tahir Hussain and the other convicts will receive the death penalty or life imprisonment is expected on July 31.
The case remains one of the most closely watched trials linked to the 2020 Delhi riots because of its political significance and public attention.
The sentencing order is expected to have a major impact on one of the most high-profile criminal cases arising from the 2020 violence in the national capital.
Also Read: Tahir Hussain Convicted in Ankit Sharma Murder Case
