Court Convicts Sajjan Kumar for 1984 Anti-Sikh Riot Murders
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Synopsis
A Delhi court has convicted Sajjan Kumar for the murders of Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, with sentencing arguments set for February 18. The case highlights the manipulation of police investigations during the riots.
Key Takeaways
- Sajjan Kumar convicted for 1984 anti-Sikh riots murders.
- Sentencing arguments scheduled for February 18.
- Victims were Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh.
- Case involved the Justice Mathur Committee.
- 2,700 Sikhs reportedly killed during the riots.
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) A Delhi court has found former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar guilty in the murder of a father-son pair during the anti-Sikh riots that took place on November 1, 1984, in the Saraswati Vihar locality.
Special judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the conviction verdict, with sentencing arguments scheduled for February 18.
This case pertains to the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar amidst the riots. Earlier on January 31, the Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its decision after considering further submissions made by Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat. Meanwhile, Advocate Anil Sharma argued that Sajjan Kumar's name had not appeared initially, and there was a significant delay of 16 years in identifying him as a suspect.
Additionally, it was noted that a conviction against Sajjan Kumar determined by the Delhi High Court is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court.
In response, Additional Public Prosecutor Rawat argued that the victim was initially unaware of the accused's identity. Once she recognized who Sajjan Kumar was, she included his name in her testimony.
Previously, senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, representing the victims of the riots, claimed that police investigations into the Sikh riots were manipulated to protect the accused, asserting that police work was sluggish.
Phoolka argued that due to the extraordinary conditions during the riots, these cases should be approached with this context in mind.
During discussions, Phoolka referenced the Delhi High Court's ruling and maintained that this incident was not isolated but part of a larger massacre, citing official reports indicating that 2,700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi in 1984.
Phoolka also referred to the Delhi High Court's judgment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case in Delhi Cantt, where the riots were termed a crime against humanity.
Initially, an FIR was lodged at Punjabi Bagh police station. Subsequently, the case was investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed on the recommendation of the Justice G.P. Mathur Committee, which led to a charge sheet being filed.
The Justice Mathur committee had called for the reopening of 114 cases, and this case was among those highlighted.
On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against Sajjan Kumar for offenses under sections 147, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as sections 302, 308, 323, 395, 397, 427, 436, and 440 in conjunction with section 149 IPC.
The SIT alleged that Kumar led the mob, which, incited by him, set fire to the victims, destroyed their property, and severely injured family members and relatives present in their residence.
During the investigation, key witnesses were located, interviewed, and their statements were documented under section 161 CrPC.
The complainant's statement was recorded on November 23, 2016, during further investigation, detailing the looting, arson, and murders of her husband and son by a mob armed with deadly weapons. She also described her injuries and those of other victims, including her sister-in-law, who later succumbed to her injuries. She clarified that she recognized the accused's image in a magazine about a month and a half later.
