Is Sajjan Kumar Innocent in the 1984 Riots Cases?
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Synopsis
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar claimed his innocence on July 7 regarding his alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where two Sikhs were killed in Delhi. As he faces charges, the community demands justice for the dark chapter in India's history. Will the truth emerge in this politically charged case?
Key Takeaways
- Sajjan Kumar's innocence plea in 1984 riots case.
- Claims of political motivations behind allegations.
- Previous conviction for the murder of Jaswant Singh.
- Demands for justice from the Sikh community.
- The 1984 riots remain a significant historical event in India.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar on Monday asserted his innocence regarding the alleged murders of two Sikhs, Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh, in Delhi’s Janakpuri, and another incident in Vikaspuri where Gurcharan Singh was reportedly set on fire during the tragic 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
While testifying before Special Judge Digvijay Singh at the Rouse Avenue Courts, the 77-year-old Kumar claimed that he was being unjustly implicated and described the allegations against him as false and politically motivated.
“I am innocent. I was never involved in this crime, not even in my dreams. There is no shred of evidence against me,” asserted Sajjan Kumar.
“Initially, I wasn’t even mentioned by any witnesses. Decades later, I was implicated. The case against me is fabricated and politically fueled,” he added.
The notorious 1984 riots erupted following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
Years later, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on the recommendation of the Justice G.P. Mathur Committee to revisit 114 cases.
In August 2023, the trial court officially framed charges against Sajjan Kumar under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) but opted to dismiss the murder charge under Section 302, which had previously been applied by the SIT.
Earlier this year, a trial court sentenced the former Congress MP to life imprisonment for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984, during the riots.
The SIT discovered that the accused was leading the mob, and under his instigation, the mob had burned alive the aforementioned individuals and had also looted and destroyed their property, setting their house ablaze and inflicting severe injuries on their family members.
Characterizing the 1984 riots as one of the “darkest and most shameful” periods in India’s history, members of the Sikh community are demanding justice and urging the trial court to impose a death sentence on Sajjan Kumar.
Point of View
It is essential to approach the allegations against Sajjan Kumar with impartiality. The complexities surrounding the 1984 riots demand a thorough examination of evidence and motives, ensuring that justice is served while upholding the principles of fairness and transparency.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against Sajjan Kumar?
Sajjan Kumar is accused of being involved in the killings of Sohan Singh and Avtar Singh during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, as well as the incident involving Gurcharan Singh.
How has Sajjan Kumar responded to these allegations?
Sajjan Kumar has pleaded his innocence, claiming he was falsely implicated and that there is no evidence against him.
What was the outcome of previous trials related to the 1984 riots?
In February 2023, a trial court sentenced Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh during the riots.
What do the Sikh community members demand?
Members of the Sikh community are demanding justice and have urged for Sajjan Kumar to receive the death penalty for his alleged crimes.
What was the significance of the 1984 riots?
The 1984 riots are regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India's history, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
