Delhi Police Seeks Death Penalty for Convicted in IB Officer Murder Case

In a high-profile case, the Delhi Police has requested the death penalty for former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted of murdering Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma. The court has reserved its decision on sentencing until July 31. Prosecutors described the crime as heinous, detailing the brutal assault that led to Sharma's death during the 2020 Delhi riots. Defense attorneys argued against the severity of the punishment, highlighting that several co-accused were acquitted. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for justice and public safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 17:41 IST

Request for Death Penalty in High-Profile Murder Case

New Delhi, July 27 - On Monday, the Delhi Police urged the court to impose the death penalty on former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the shocking murder case of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma. The court has reserved its decision on the sentencing until July 31. Authorities stated that the accused exhibited 'animalistic behavior' during the relentless assault on Sharma.

The arguments regarding the sentencing of the five convicts were presented before Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh. Special Public Prosecutor Madhukar Pandey informed the court that the defendants had kidnapped, brutally assaulted, and ultimately killed Sharma. He noted that even after Sharma's death, the assailants continued to strike him.

He stated, 'Ankit Sharma was abducted and brutally beaten to death. A total of 51 injuries were found on his body, 18 of which were inflicted with sharp weapons. The nature of the weapons used reveals the intent behind this crime and the brutality of the perpetrators.'

They resorted to animal-like behavior. Even after Sharma's demise, they continued their assault on him.' Pandey emphasized that the crime was heinous and cruel, warranting the death penalty for the convicts. Defense attorneys Rajiv Mohan and Tara Narula, representing Hussain, contested the prosecution's arguments, claiming that no specific role of their client was established.

They also pointed out that six out of the eleven accused had already been acquitted in this case. Attorney Mohan argued, 'Not every convicted individual should receive the death penalty. The circumstances that aggravate the severity of the crime should be considered first, followed by those that may mitigate the sentence.'

In the case of the convictions, six out of eleven accused have been acquitted.' After hearing arguments from both sides, the court has reserved its decision regarding the sentence until July 31. On July 13, the court had found Hussain and four others guilty of Sharma's murder, which occurred during the riots in Delhi in 2020, where a mob attacked Sharma, whose body was later discovered in a drain.