Sajjan Kumar Receives Life Sentence for Role in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
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Synopsis
A trial court has sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his role in the murder during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The community calls for justice and maximum penalties amid ongoing protests.
Key Takeaways
- Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Protests from the Sikh community demanding harsher penalties.
- Significant historical context surrounding the riots.
- BJP's calls for Kumar's expulsion from Congress.
New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) A trial court has sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his involvement in a murder case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This case pertains to the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh, which occurred in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984, during the riots.
The ruling came amid intense protests from the Sikh community earlier that day, who were calling for a death sentence for the former MP.
Protesters characterized the 1984 riots, ignited by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, as one of the most shameful and darkest periods in India's history, demanding justice and urging the court to impose the maximum penalty on Sajjan Kumar.
The Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its verdict on January 31, following additional submissions made by Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat, and subsequently convicted Kumar on February 12.
Kumar's lawyer Anil Sharma argued that Kumar's name was not initially included and that there was a delay of 16 years in identifying him as an accused by the witness. Sharma also noted that a case in which Kumar was previously convicted by the Delhi High Court is currently under appeal in the Supreme Court.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja scheduled the sentencing arguments for February 18.
The BJP has been vocally calling for Sajjan Kumar's expulsion from the Congress party, labeling it as anti-Sikh for failing to take decisive action.
BJP leader and minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has also reached out to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, advocating for Kumar's expulsion.
Sirsa urged Gandhi to demonstrate his commitment to justice and communal harmony by issuing a public apology to the Sikh community and the nation for the Congress party's role in protecting individuals like Sajjan Kumar.
