The world watched as Delhi turned into a battleground in February 2020 — neighbourhoods went up in flames, lives were torn apart, and hate was unleashed in India’s capital under the watch of the very institutions meant to protect its citizens.

Five years later, the truth is catching up.

A new Indian Express investigation reveals that out of 695 cases filed by the Delhi Police, verdicts have been delivered in 116 so far — 97 ended in acquittal, and only 19 in conviction. Courts have found fabricated evidence, manipulated witnesses, and blatant lapses by the Delhi Police. Judges have used words like “false”, “planted”, and “unreliable” to describe the police’s handling of these cases.

These aren’t small mistakes — they’re systemic failures.

Both the Delhi Police (under the Union Home Ministry) and the Delhi government were criticised for failing to act decisively after the riots. Victims still wait for closure. Survivors still live with fear. And yet, the machinery of state spins its own narrative of “peace restored”, while courts quietly expose what really happened — how the truth was twisted to suit political exigency.