New Delhi: “He died serving his country, serving its people… I can’t even describe what they did to him,” Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma’s brother said, as he recalled what unfolded on Feb 25, 2020, as riots ravaged north east Delhi.Monday brought Ankit’s family a long-awaited breakthrough in their fight for justice as the Karkardooma Court convicted five people, including former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain, for his murder.A mob allegedly attacked 26-year-old Ankit, who suffered multiple sharp and blunt force injuries and died of haemorrhagic shock over six years ago. His body was later recovered from a drain in northeast Delhi’s Chand Bagh.Recalling the brutality, Ankit’s brother said the mob had targeted him specifically. “He was on duty and had gone to the riot-hit area because he lived nearby. People knew he was an officer and his religion and hence targeted him. He died serving his people. His body had acid marks on several parts, including his face and chest, multiple stab wounds everywhere,” he said.He is survived by his father and two siblings, who work in the private sector. They shifted from the locality after the incident. For the family, the years since his death have been marked by grief, court appearances and an unwavering determination to see the case through.Speaking to TOI, Ankit’s father recalled the legal battle. “For the first three years, the police conducted an inquiry. They helped us in any way they could during this period. After that, proceedings continued for another three years. I had to appear before the court multiple times and undergo cross-questioning, but I stood by the truth,” he said.While the conviction has brought relief, the family says its fight is far from over. Awaiting sentencing of those convicted, Ankit’s father said he hopes they receive the maximum punishment under the law. “They should either be hanged or get the strictest possible punishment for a crime like this,” he said.Ankit’s brother said the family wants all those responsible for the killing to be held accountable. “A total of 11 accused were named. Five have now been convicted while the others have been acquitted. We don’t know why they were acquitted, but we want the proceeding to serve as an example in society so that no other son or brother is killed like Ankit was,” he said.The brother added that he believes that all the required evidence is out in the open. “All the cameras were there. Live footage had surfaced. Many locals had shot videos and put them on social media. Sufficient evidence is there. The police SIT also investigated and collected evidence, all of which was presented in court.”
