former-mp-sajjan-kumar-convicted-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-case

A Delhi court has convicted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in connection with the murder of two Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, marking an important step in the long legal battle for justice. The court will decide his sentence on 18 February.

 

Sajjan Kumar, who is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail, was accused of leading a violent mob and inciting them to kill Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh.

 

The incident took place on 1 November 1984 in the Saraswati Vihar area of Delhi, a day after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards. The riots that followed led to widespread violence against the Sikh community across the country.

 

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Kumar played a direct role in organising the attack. The mob, reportedly armed with weapons, vandalised properties and committed acts of arson.

 

According to the prosecution, after killing Jaswant Singh and his son, the attackers looted their house before setting it on fire.

 

Sajjan Kumar has consistently denied all allegations against him. While recording his statement in court, he maintained that he was not involved in the violence. However, the court observed that there was enough evidence to establish his role, not just as a participant but also as a leader of the mob.

 

The verdict comes after decades of legal proceedings and efforts by victims' families to seek justice. The case against Sajjan Kumar is one of several that have been pursued in connection with the 1984 riots, which led to the deaths of thousands of Sikhs.

 

Over the years, multiple cases have been reopened and investigated, with some convictions bringing a sense of closure to victims’ families. The 1984 riots remain a painful chapter in India's history, with survivors continuing to demand accountability for the violence.

 

With this latest conviction, the focus now shifts to the sentencing, where the court will decide the punishment for Kumar. Legal experts believe that the decision could set a precedent for other pending cases related to the riots.

 

Victims' families have welcomed the verdict, expressing hope that justice will finally be served.