Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain has been granted bail in one of the cases related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The court deemed his involvement in this particular incident as "remote" and noted that he had already spent more than three years in custody.
However, Hussain will remain in jail as he faces charges in other rioting cases, including allegations of a larger conspiracy behind the riots and a money laundering case related to funding.
The bail was granted by Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala in a case registered at Khajuri Khas police station. This case involved a riotous mob vandalising and setting ablaze a shop on February 25, 2020.
The court observed that while Hussain was accused of being an instigator and conspirator, he was not physically part of the mob that attacked the shop. Therefore, his role was considered less significant compared to other accused persons.
The judge emphasised that bail proceedings were not the appropriate stage to discuss the evidence presented or to be presented. However, considering Hussain's role and the time already spent in custody (nearly four years), the court believed he deserved bail in this particular case.
As part of the bail conditions, Hussain is required to furnish a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 25,000 each, along with one surety of the same amount. Additionally, he must not leave the country, provide his address and phone number to the authorities, and refrain from influencing witnesses.
During the proceedings, the Special Public Prosecutor alleged that Hussain, being a former councillor of the area, utilised his influence to incite the rioters. On the other hand, Hussain's counsel argued for bail, highlighting that he had already been granted bail in five other cases related to the communal riots.