Delhi High Court Refuses To Stay Trial Against Two Men Accused Of Attacking Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to stay trial court proceedings against two men accused of attacking Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at her Civil Lines residence during a public hearing in August last year.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani was dealing with the pleas filed by accused persons- Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai, a Gujarat based individual and Tahsin Raza Rafiullah Shaikh, challenging framing of charges against them.

The counsel appearing for the Delhi Police requested that forensic examination of the mobile phones be expedited.

Observing that the mobiles were the repository of all secrets, the Court observed that forensic examination of the cell phones would help solve the connection between the accused as neither belonged to the national capital.

It thus directed the Forensic Science Laboratory to expedite forensic examination of mobiles of the accused persons, while also seeking a status report within four weeks.

The counsel appearing for the accused persons requested for stay of the trial court proceedings which are scheduled for April 25.

It was submitted that if the trial is not stayed, the recording of evidence would commence.

However, the Court did not accept the request and remarked:

“I do not believe in staying something unless I am very clear that something wrong is going on or will go on. I do not see that at all... I still don't understand why you were in Delhi at all," the judge remarked.

They were arrested and charged with attempt to murder. The FIR was registered on August 20 last year on the allegations of attempt to murder of the Chief Minister at her camp office in north Delhi's Civil Lines area. In December last year, charges were framed against the duo.

Title: TEHSIN RAZA RAFIULLAH SHAIKH ALIS BAPU v. State & other connected matter