41 Dera Followers Cleared of Riot Charges in Panchkula Case

The latest court decision in Panchkula has raised questions about the prosecution's handling of riot cases from 2017, as another group of alleged rioters walks free due to insufficient evidence and procedural lapses.

On August 25, 2017, Panchkula witnessed widespread violence following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. The violence resulted in over 40 deaths, with authorities filing 152 separate cases. Despite the large number of cases, none has resulted in a conviction so far. 

According to the original police complaint filed by ASI Prakash Chand, hundreds of people armed with sticks and rods entered Panchkula's Industrial Area from Sector 11/14 on the afternoon of August 25. The group allegedly damaged CCTV cameras and confronted police officers, leading to several arrests. 

Flaws in Prosecution

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ajay Kumar's judgment highlighted several crucial weaknesses in the prosecution's case. The court noted that no medical evidence supported claims of assault on police officials. Additionally, significant discrepancies emerged in police testimonies regarding the timing of evidence collection, with some officers stating it occurred on August 25 while others claimed it was August 26. 

Perhaps the most damaging thing was that the case property – including seized weapons like hockey sticks and rods – was never properly sealed, casting doubt on the entire prosecution narrative. 

Legal Implications

The release of all 41 accused raises serious concerns about the investigation and prosecution of riot-related cases. The court's emphasis on proper evidence handling and consistent witness testimonies is a reminder of the importance of following proper legal procedures in criminal cases. 

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