Mob at Tahir Hussain's house had 'clear cut' objective to harm Hindus: Delhi court

NEW DELHI: The mob that assembled at Tahir Hussain's house during the northeast riots in Delhi had a "clear cut objective to harm Hindus", a Delhi court said while framing charges against him and nine others in a case.
In a detailed judgment, which was made available on Monday, additional sessions judge Pulastya Pramachala rejected the defence of Hussain, a former AAP councillor, that he was a victim rather than a rioter.
"The facts and evidence of this case show that a number of persons assembled at the house of Tahir Hussain. Some of them were equipped with firing weapons. Petrol bombs were also arranged...Stones were stored in this house in sacks, etc. All these things were used to target Hindus," the court stated in its order.
It further said that "such preparations and this house being used as a base, seen along with the conduct of the members of this mob, show that they were acting out of prior meeting of their mind and with a clear-cut objective in mind, to harm Hindus in every possible manner."
While framing charges under IPC provisions of rioting and arsoning, the court noted that "they did disturb the public tranquillity through their actions."
It also cited witness testimonies to note that a mob had assembled in Hussain's house.
"The video clips collected by IO from social media do show that accused Tahir Hussain was quite active during his movement on the terrace of his house. The video does not show any adversity between him and other persons present on his terrace. Rather, it is well reflected that he was actively talking to these persons and then talking on mobile phone, etc. During the whole such period, the other persons, some of whom had covered their faces with helmet and otherwise, were pelting stones on adjoining properties and on the road....conduct of accused Tahir Hussain as appearing in these video clips, is not consistent with such plea of being victim," the court underlined.
Meanwhile, in another order, the court also pointed out that Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi are already facing similar allegations in a Unlawful Activities Prevention Act case under the charge of "umbrella conspiracy" so they can be discharged from the present case.