Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has responded to the recent conviction of former party member Tahir Hussain for the murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. In his remarks, Kejriwal emphasised that Hussain was expelled from AAP several years ago, asserting that the party distanced itself from him long before this recent development.

In a post on X, Kejriwal pointed out that Hussain allegedly joined a “chanda chor party,” a term he used to refer to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comment seemed to reference the alleged corruption related to donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Kejriwal’s remarks indicate a wider political context, as tensions between the AAP and the BJP persist.

Responses from AAP and Criticism from Opposition

Following the conviction, the AAP issued a clarifying statement, reiterating that Hussain has had no affiliation with the party since 2020. The party mentioned that Hussain was suspended from primary membership immediately following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him related to the northeast Delhi riots.

Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra has publicly criticised AAP’s leadership for their silence regarding Hussain’s conviction. During a press conference, Mishra questioned why prominent figures within AAP, including Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, had not made statements addressing the issue. He expressed concern over the party’s response following the death of Ankit Sharma, indicating a perceived lack of accountability and empathy from AAP’s leadership.

Mishra further remarked on the actions of AAP leaders during the riots, asserting that while they were engaged in providing relief in certain areas, they failed to console Sharma’s family or publicly denounce the violence at the time. This revelation has sparked discussions regarding the party’s responsibility during communal unrest.

Details of the Conviction and Case Background

Tahir Hussain, along with four co-defendants, was convicted in connection with the murder of Ankit Sharma, who was tragically killed during the communal riots in northeast Delhi in February 2020. These riots erupted amid widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which had polarised public opinion across the nation.

The prosecution detailed that Sharma returned home on February 25, 2020, but did not come back after leaving again. His family began searching for him when he failed to return, eventually discovering his body in a drain near a mosque in Khajuri Khas. The violent clashes during those days led to the loss of 53 lives and hundreds of injuries, marking a significant and tragic chapter in Delhi’s history.

As the case progresses, sentencing for those convicted is anticipated to occur separately. The high-profile nature of this case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding communal violence in India and the political implications tied to it.

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