Will the Delhi Court Deliver a Verdict Against Sajjan Kumar Today in the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Verdict anticipated in Sajjan Kumar's case linked to the 1984 riots.
- Charges include rioting and attempted murder, but murder charge was dismissed.
- High-profile trial reflects ongoing struggles for justice in India.
- Public interest remains high as the court decision approaches.
- Testimonies from victims are crucial in shaping the case.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi is set to announce its ruling on Thursday regarding the Janakpuri violence case connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots involving former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.
This case involves accusations of violence that erupted in the aftermath of the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The trial concluded on September 23 last year, and the court had reserved its judgment on December 22.
In the closing stages of the proceedings, the Central Bureau of Investigation informed the court about its intention to provide written arguments within a week.
Subsequently, the court instructed Sajjan Kumar to submit his arguments in the following week. After hearing the final arguments from both parties, Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh reserved the judgment.
Earlier in the trial, on July 7, Sajjan Kumar denied the allegations.
He insisted on his non-involvement in the alleged crimes, claiming there was no substantial evidence connecting him to the case and that he was absent from the violence scene.
On November 9, 2023, the court recorded the testimony of the victim, Manjeet Kaur.
She stated that while she had heard from members of the mob that Sajjan Kumar was present during the violence, she clarified that she did not personally witness him at the site.
The court had framed charges against Sajjan Kumar on August 23, 2023, under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 147, 148, 153A, 295, 149, 307, 308, 323, 325, 395, and 436.
However, the court removed Section 302 concerning murder, which had been invoked by the Special Investigation Team.
Consequently, Sajjan Kumar was discharged from the murder charge, although the other charges remained intact.
The announcement of the verdict had been postponed three times previously, including on January 31, 2025, January 8, and December 16, 2024.
During each of these hearings, Sajjan Kumar, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, appeared before the court via video conference amid strict security measures.