Quick Summary: On January 30, 2026, the Delhi High Court refused to let Tauseif Khan go free on bail. He is accused of being involved in a murder that happened in 2020. The crime involved multiple stabbings and was witnessed by Poonam, a person who identifies as third gender, who pointed out the attackers.
Tauseif Khan, along with his father and brother-in-law, was accused of killing Reshma, another person who identifies as third gender, in 2020. The incident happened in Vivek Vihar, New Delhi, and Poonam saw it happen. Poonam reported the crime and named all three people involved in the police report, and the knives used were found.
"While Poonam was present, another third gender person, Reshma, was killed by multiple stabbings by the accused Tauseif Khan, his father, and brother-in-law."
Tauseif Khan’s lawyer said he was wrongly blamed. The lawyer pointed out inconsistencies in what witnesses said and questioned whether Khan should have been arrested. They doubted the trustworthiness of the evidence.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Amit Ahlawat and Inspector Rajinder Singh, argued against bail, saying the witness Poonam, who is a respected leader in the transgender community, gave strong testimony. They stressed that Poonam had no reason to lie about Tauseif Khan.
"Poonam, as the first witness, has strongly supported the prosecution's case."
The trial is almost finished, with only a few witnesses left to speak. The prosecution mentioned that some witnesses were dropped, while the defense said six more needed to be questioned.
Justice Girish Kathpalia decided not to grant bail, pointing out how strong the witness testimony was and that the trial was almost over. The judge saw no reason to doubt Poonam's story and rejected the bail request.
"Considering the above circumstances, I do not find it a fit case to grant bail."
The order has been sent to the relevant Jail Superintendent to let Tauseif Khan know about the decision.
