Sajjan Kumar Receives Life Sentence in 41-Year-Old Murder Case Linked to Anti-Sikh Riots
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Synopsis
A New Delhi court has sentenced Sajjan Kumar to life in prison for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that led to the murder of a father and son. This case highlights the long-standing quest for justice in the aftermath of tragic events that unfolded over four decades ago.
Key Takeaways
- Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life for 1984 murders.
- Violent mob actions led to deaths of innocent Sikhs.
- Significant historical context surrounding the riots.
- Long judicial process delays justice for victims.
- Government's renewed efforts to investigate past atrocities.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) A court in New Delhi has sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his involvement in the murder of a father-son pair during the anti-Sikh riots on November 1, 1984, in the Saraswati Vihar locality.
What are the allegations against Sajjan Kumar? According to the prosecution, Sajjan Kumar was at the forefront of a violent mob that, under his incitement, brutally killed the father and son, set their residence ablaze, looted their belongings, and inflicted serious harm on their relatives.
Timeline of Events:
- October 31, 1984: Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, triggering brutal violence against Sikhs throughout Delhi and beyond.
- September 1985: The victim's wife recounted the mob attack on their home on the evening of October 1, 1984, which resulted in her husband and son being killed, as well as injuries to herself and others, along with extensive property damage. She later identified Sajjan Kumar from a photograph as resembling the man who incited the mob.
- 1991: An FIR was lodged at the Saraswati Vihar police station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code based on her affidavit to the Justice Ranganathan Mishra Commission of Inquiry.
- July 1994: The case was declared 'untraced' by a Metropolitan Magistrate due to insufficient evidence for prosecution.
- February 2015: The Union Home Ministry formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to re-examine the 1984 riot cases.
- July 2015: The SIT was established as a separate police station with jurisdiction over all of Delhi.
- November 2016: The complainant reiterated her statements during the ongoing investigation, confirming her earlier identification of Sajjan Kumar.
- April 2021: Sajjan Kumar was interrogated and arrested while already in Tihar Jail for another case.
- May 2021: A chargesheet was submitted to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court.
- December 2021: Charges were formally framed against him for multiple offences under various IPC sections.
- February 12, 2025: Special Judge Kaveri Baweja found him guilty of murder and other serious offences.
- February 25, 2025: Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the horrific murders during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
