Following is the chronology of events relating to 1987 Hashimpura Massacre case in which a Delhi court on Saturday acquitted 16 persons, giving them benefit of doubt:

May 22, 1987: 50 Muslims picked up allegedly by Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel from Hashimpura village in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

May, 1987: Victims shot and bodies thrown into canal. 42 persons declared dead.

1996: Charge sheet filed against 19 accused before Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ghaziabad by CB-CID of Uttar Pradesh police. 161 people listed as witnesses.

Sept 2002: Case transferred to Delhi by the Supreme Court on petition by the families of victims and survivors.

Jul 2006: Delhi court frames charges of murder, attempt to murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy under the IPC against 17 accused.

Jan 22, 2015: Court reserves judgement for February 21.

Feb 21: Court defers verdict as it was not ready.

Mar 21: Court acquits 16 surviving accused giving them benefit of doubt regarding their identity.