BJP Leaders Demand Death Penalty for Sajjan Kumar After Life Sentence in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots

Synopsis

Following the life imprisonment of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, BJP leaders have called for a death penalty, citing the brutal nature of the crimes committed. They express dissatisfaction with the verdict and urge for stronger action against those responsible.

Key Takeaways

BJP leaders are advocating for a death penalty for Sajjan Kumar.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots resulted in horrific violence and loss of life.
There is ongoing criticism of the Congress party's response to the case.
The ruling has sparked discussions about justice for the Sikh community.
Political figures are being challenged to take a stand on this issue.

New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) Following a Delhi court's ruling that sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his involvement in the heinous acts during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, BJP leaders have strongly urged for a more severe penalty, including the death penalty.

The case relates to the brutal murder of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984, amidst the violent aftermath of the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marwah expressed his discontent with the judgment, stating, "I demand that Sajjan Kumar be hanged for his involvement in the massacre. I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing the SIT, which has sought justice after nearly three decades. For far too long, Sajjan Kumar was afforded Z security, indicating the complicity in his actions. On behalf of the Sikh community, I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his dedication to justice."

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also shared his concerns, denouncing the massacre as an egregious act that inflicted profound suffering upon humanity.

"The 1984 massacre was not just a tragedy for Sikhs, but for humanity at large. Sajjan Kumar has been given a life sentence in relation to this heinous crime, yet the Congress party remains muted. I urge the Congress president to step forward and clarify why they continue to protect someone like Sajjan Kumar," he stated.

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, an advocate for the Sikh community’s injustices, expressed appreciation for the court's verdict but stressed the need for a stiffer punishment.

"The Congress has committed a grave injustice against the Sikh community by harboring individuals like Sajjan Kumar. Today, the court has rendered a judgment holding him accountable, and for that, I thank the judiciary. However, I challenge the Congress leadership—Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi—who have often claimed to fight for justice. Will they advocate for the Sikhs today, or will they persist in shielding the perpetrators of this violence?"

RP Singh, another BJP leader, expressed disappointment that the court’s ruling fell short of public expectations.

"The murder of a father and son in such a brutal fashion under Sajjan Kumar’s orders is a crime that warrants the harshest penalty. The entire nation was anticipating a death sentence. This was not an ordinary case; it was fueled by racial hatred. Sajjan Kumar acted on orders from his leader, Rajiv Gandhi, during a time of communal strife. I implore Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take action. The CBI should be directed to appeal this ruling in a higher court, and Sajjan Kumar should receive the death penalty for his crimes," he asserted.

The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who convicted Sajjan Kumar of murder charges on February 18. This case concerns the brutal murders of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh post the 1984 riots. On January 31, the Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its decision after considering additional submissions from Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat.