1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar Awarded Life Imprisonment

New Delhi: Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar on Tuesday (February 25) was awarded life imprisonment in connection with the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots case, as per sources.

Kumar was convicted in a case related to the killing of a father-son duo, Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh, in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984.

Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict regarding the murders of the father-son pair on February 12, with Kumar facing charges of rioting, unlawful assembly, murder, and several other offences.

What Happened in 1984?

According to the prosecution, a huge mob, armed with deadly weapons, resorted to large-scale looting, arson and destruction of properties of Sikhs to avenge the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The mob attacked the house of the complainant, Jaswant's wife, killing her husband and son apart from looting articles and setting their house ablaze, alleged the prosecution.

On December 16, 2021, the court put Kumar on trial and found sufficient material to form a "prima facie opinion that he was not only a participant, but had also led the mob".

Investigation and Charges

Initially filed by the Punjabi Bagh police, the case was later taken over by a special investigation team. On December 16, 2021, charges were framed against Kumar after the court determined there was a "prima facie" case against him. According to the prosecution, a large mob armed with weapons engaged in widespread looting, arson, and property destruction targeting Sikhs in retaliation for the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The mob attacked the house of the complainant, killing Jaswant and his son, looting their belongings, and setting the house on fire.

The court found sufficient evidence to charge Kumar, concluding he was not only a participant but also led the mob during the attack.

Currently, Kumar has two ongoing appeals — one challenging his acquittal in another case, and the other appealing his life imprisonment sentence.

Here's A Timeline of  Events in the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case:

November 1, 1984: Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh are murdered in the Saraswati Vihar area during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

1991: FIR lodged in the case.

Jul 8, 1994: Delhi court finds no sufficient evidence to initiate prosecution. Kumar not chargesheeted in the case.

Feb 12, 2015: Govt forms special investigation team (SIT).

Nov 21, 2016: SIT tells court case requires further probe.

Apr 6, 2021: Kumar is arrested.

May 5, 2021: Police files chargesheet.

Jul 26: Court takes cognisance of chargesheet.

Oct 1: Court begins hearing arguments on charge.

Dec 16: Court frames charges of murder, rioting, other offences.

Jan 31, 2024: Court begins hearing final arguments.

Nov 8: Court reserves verdict.

Feb 12, 2025: Court convicts Kumar.

Feb 25: Kumar gets life-term imprisonment.

Kumar’s appeals concerning his acquittal in another case and the life sentence are still pending before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

(Inputs from PTI)