A Delhi court at Rouse Avenue has found former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar guilty in another case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, and the sentencing is scheduled for February 18.
A Verdict After 41 Years
The court’s decision comes 41 years after the incident, which involved the killing of two Sikhs in Saraswati Vihar during the riots. Multiple cases have been filed against Sajjan Kumar concerning the Delhi riots, with more than three ongoing cases. He was previously acquitted in one case.
Earlier, in December 2018, a double bench of the Delhi High Court had found him guilty of inciting violence and leading riots. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence in Tihar Jail.
Charges Against Sajjan Kumar
Sajjan Kumar was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rioting, murder, and robbery. The charges were filed under IPC Sections 147, 149, 148, 302, 308, 323, 395, 397, 427, 436, and 440.
Timeline of the Saraswati Vihar Case
November 1, 1984
During the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, two Sikhs, Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh, were killed in Saraswati Vihar. A case was registered against Sajjan Kumar at the Punjabi Bagh police station.
December 16, 2021
Considering the police investigation, the court framed charges against Sajjan Kumar. The victims’ lawyer argued in court that a large mob, armed with deadly weapons, stormed Saraswati Vihar. They engaged in looting, arson, and vandalism, specifically targeting Sikh properties as a form of revenge for Indira Gandhi’s assassination. The mob attacked Jaswant Singh’s house, murdered him and his son, and set their home on fire after looting it.
February 12, 2025
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict, stating that there was sufficient evidence to prove that Sajjan Kumar was not only present but also leading the mob.
Verdict Delayed Three Times
The decision was postponed multiple times before finally being delivered. On January 31, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court deferred the verdict. Previously, on January 8 and December 16, 2024, the judgment was also delayed. On both occasions, Sajjan Kumar appeared before the court via video conferencing from Tihar Jail.
Back in December 2021, Sajjan Kumar had pleaded not guilty and agreed to face trial. However, after a thorough trial, he was found guilty, leading to the framing of charges against him.
Previous Acquittal and Conviction in Other Cases
While Sajjan Kumar was acquitted in the Sultanpuri riots case, he was convicted in another case related to the killing of five Sikhs during the riots.
The 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: A Tragic Chapter in Indian History
What Were the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots?
The anti-Sikh riots erupted in 1984 following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The unrest was triggered by Operation Blue Star, a military operation aimed at flushing out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This operation led to the death of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and several others, causing widespread anger among the Sikh community.
Just days after the operation, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. This event led to violent riots across India, particularly in Delhi and Punjab. An estimated 3,500 people lost their lives in the violence.
Personal Accounts of Survivors
Many families faced immense suffering during the riots. Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu once shared her family’s ordeal. In an interview, she recounted that rioters had reached her father’s house, setting fire to the car parked outside. Though she was not born at the time, her mother had told her about how the rioters surrounded their home, armed with swords and petrol bombs, ready to attack.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain one of the darkest episodes in India’s history, with justice still being sought for many victims and their families. The conviction of Sajjan Kumar marks a step towards holding perpetrators accountable, even after decades of legal battles.
