Tahir Hussain’s political fall in IB officer Ankit Sharma murder case NEW DELHI: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain on Friday said he would challenge his conviction and life sentence in the Delhi High Court after a Delhi court sentenced him and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.”I will get justice from the High Court,” Hussain told reporters after the Karkardooma Court pronounced the sentence.Additional sessions Judge Praveen Singh sentenced Hussain along with co-convicts Shah Alam, Mehtab, Gul Firoz and Mohammad Riyan after hearing arguments on the quantum of punishment. While the Delhi Police had sought the death penalty, calling the murder a “rarest of rare” case, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish that the convicts were beyond the possibility of reform and instead awarded life imprisonment.The court had convicted all five accused earlier this month. The judgment was delivered amid tight security in a packed courtroom attended by senior Delhi Police officials, including officers from the Crime Branch.During sentencing, Special public prosecutor Madhukar Pandey argued that Sharma’s murder was premeditated and exceptionally brutal. He told the court that the IB officer suffered 51 injuries, seven of which were individually sufficient to cause death. The prosecution alleged Sharma, who was unarmed, was surrounded by a mob, repeatedly assaulted, dragged with a cloth tied around his neck and his body dumped in a nearby drain.The prosecution further argued that Hussain, who was serving as an AAP councillor at the time of the riots, had a public duty to protect citizens but instead participated in the conspiracy that led to Sharma’s killing. It urged the court to impose capital punishment, describing the crime as one that shocked the collective conscience of society.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHussain’s counsel Rajiv Mohan opposed the death penalty, arguing that capital punishment could not be imposed in every murder case. The defence maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish any conspiracy or assign Hussain a specific role in the killing and urged the court to consider mitigating circumstances while determining the sentence.The case relates to the killing of 26-year-old IB staffer Ankit Sharma during the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020, leaving more than 50 people dead and hundreds injured. Sharma’s body was recovered from a drain near Hussain’s residence after he went missing during the riots. Hussain has consistently denied the allegations against him and is expected to challenge the verdict before the Delhi High Court.Get the latest India News and Live updates. 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NEW DELHI: Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain on Friday said he would challenge his conviction and life sentence in the Delhi High Court after a Delhi court sentenced him and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.“I will get justice from the High Court,” Hussain told reporters after the Karkardooma Court pronounced the sentence.Additional sessions Judge Praveen Singh sentenced Hussain along with co-convicts Shah Alam, Mehtab, Gul Firoz and Mohammad Riyan after hearing arguments on the quantum of punishment. While the Delhi Police had sought the death penalty, calling the murder a “rarest of rare” case, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish that the convicts were beyond the possibility of reform and instead awarded life imprisonment.The court had convicted all five accused earlier this month. The judgment was delivered amid tight security in a packed courtroom attended by senior Delhi Police officials, including officers from the Crime Branch.During sentencing, Special public prosecutor Madhukar Pandey argued that Sharma’s murder was premeditated and exceptionally brutal. He told the court that the IB officer suffered 51 injuries, seven of which were individually sufficient to cause death. The prosecution alleged Sharma, who was unarmed, was surrounded by a mob, repeatedly assaulted, dragged with a cloth tied around his neck and his body dumped in a nearby drain.The prosecution further argued that Hussain, who was serving as an AAP councillor at the time of the riots, had a public duty to protect citizens but instead participated in the conspiracy that led to Sharma’s killing. It urged the court to impose capital punishment, describing the crime as one that shocked the collective conscience of society.
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Hussain’s counsel Rajiv Mohan opposed the death penalty, arguing that capital punishment could not be imposed in every murder case. The defence maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish any conspiracy or assign Hussain a specific role in the killing and urged the court to consider mitigating circumstances while determining the sentence.The case relates to the killing of 26-year-old IB staffer Ankit Sharma during the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020, leaving more than 50 people dead and hundreds injured. Sharma’s body was recovered from a drain near Hussain’s residence after he went missing during the riots. Hussain has consistently denied the allegations against him and is expected to challenge the verdict before the Delhi High Court.
![The MEA criticized Pakistan’s harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: India on Friday slammed Pakistan of making an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism after a senior aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Islamabad had trained and armed Mujahideen who have now turned against the Pakistani state. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on anti-government protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that more than 40 civilians had been killed.Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s handling of the protests had exposed its treatment of civilians in the region.”As you and all of us have witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Jaiswal said the statement amounted to a public acknowledgement that Pakistan had trained, funded and armed militants who were later sent into India.”The Special Assistant of the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] on Political Affairs has openly admitted that the very Mujahideen that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have turned their guns inwards, weaponising themselves against the state,” Jaiswal said.The remarks came after Sanaullah, in an interview with Geo News, said: “are the same people we once trained as Mujahideen. We sent them to fight, and today they are hanging around our necks.”India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.Jaiswal also criticised the recently held elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a rejection of Pakistan’s establishment.”The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistan establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organisations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urged that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Jaiswal said.According to ANI, widespread protests have erupted across PoJK over allegations of electoral rigging, political interference and suppression of democratic rights.The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene over what it described as a worsening human rights situation in the region.In a statement posted on X, the organisation urged international institutions, governments and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect civilians, ensure accountability and uphold international human rights law.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe group specifically appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia and China, as well as international human rights organisations and global media, to respond to the reported escalation of violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and its treatment of civilians in the region.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life.
He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1785509082_photo.jpg "The MEA criticized Pakistan’s harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI images) NEW DELHI: India on Friday slammed Pakistan of making an open admission of state-sponsored terrorism after a senior aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Islamabad had trained and armed Mujahideen who have now turned against the Pakistani state. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on anti-government protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that more than 40 civilians had been killed.Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s handling of the protests had exposed its treatment of civilians in the region.”As you and all of us have witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Jaiswal said the statement amounted to a public acknowledgement that Pakistan had trained, funded and armed militants who were later sent into India.”The Special Assistant of the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] on Political Affairs has openly admitted that the very Mujahideen that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have turned their guns inwards, weaponising themselves against the state,” Jaiswal said.The remarks came after Sanaullah, in an interview with Geo News, said: “are the same people we once trained as Mujahideen. We sent them to fight, and today they are hanging around our necks.”India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.Jaiswal also criticised the recently held elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a rejection of Pakistan’s establishment.”The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistan establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organisations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urged that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Jaiswal said.According to ANI, widespread protests have erupted across PoJK over allegations of electoral rigging, political interference and suppression of democratic rights.The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations and the international community to intervene over what it described as a worsening human rights situation in the region.In a statement posted on X, the organisation urged international institutions, governments and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect civilians, ensure accountability and uphold international human rights law.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe group specifically appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia and China, as well as international human rights organisations and global media, to respond to the reported escalation of violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and its treatment of civilians in the region.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life.
He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun, Strengthens Deep-Sea Rescue CapabilityCabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme To Boost Offshore Oil And Gas ExplorationMeta India Head Named In FIR As Posts Criticising PM Modi Surface; Social Accounts Under Scanner’My Father Was Almost Lynched’: Injured Delhi Cop’s Daughter Emotional Appeal After Violence | Watch’Cracks Appeared Hours Before Collapse’ Rescue Teams Search For Survivors In Maharashtra’s BhiwandiCJP’s Saurav Das Says Abusive Remarks Deserve Defamation Cases, Not Criminal Prosecution | WatchRajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Law As PM Modi Vows Zero Tolerance Against Exam MafiasPM Modi Releases New Selfie Video On Instagram As Rajya Sabha Clears Anti-Paper Leak BillAfter ‘Gau-Mutra Expert’ Remark, Priyanka Gandhi Gets Scathing Open Letter From 200+ Academicians‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If…’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back123PhotostoriesWho is Vinnie Takair? Danish singer spotted with Aryan Khan in London sparks dating rumoursOptical Illusion personality test: What you feel most drawn to first says a lot about who you really are10 baby names inspired by Greek mythology7 science-backed upgrades to improve your brain health and memoryFriendship Day Cards 2026: Best friendship day greeting card images to share with your friends7 traditional Kashmiri breads and what makes them so specialInside Archana Puran Singh’s 75-year-old Dehradun home: A lush garden, vintage interiors and a massive living roomThese 8 ancient Indian foods were considered medicine before modern nutrition existedThinking of taking Priorin for hair loss? Know its benefits, ingredients, and natural alternativesAnanya Panday’s peacock blue Gauri & Nainika gown is the luxe fashion moment everyone will remember123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingSaurav DasBengal JeM Terrorist ArrestedJaisalmer Military Station AccidentCM VijayDehradun Teacher SuicideAnkit Sharma Murder CaseAam Aadmi PartyShraddha Walkar Murder CaseMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up")
