End of impunity? Sajjan Kumar convicted in 1984 riots murder case | WATCH

New Delhi: Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been convicted for his role in the killing of a father and son during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, marking a significant step in the long fight for justice. This verdict comes as a reminder of the deep wounds inflicted by the riots and the persistent efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Verdict After Decades

A Delhi court convicted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar on Wednesday for the murder of a father and son in the Saraswati Vihar area during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the conviction order, scheduling arguments for the sentence on February 1824. Kumar, already serving a life sentence in another 1984 riots case, was present in court from Tihar Jail for the verdict.

🚨 1984 Anti-Sikh riots: Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee 'thanks' PM Modi & Home Minister Amit Shah for forming SIT after coming to power 👏

— Earlier today, Ex Congress MP Sajjan Kumar got 'convicted' in 1984 Anti-Sikhs riot & murder case 🎯 pic.twitter.com/fT4OtISdNF

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 12, 2025

Details of the Case

The case pertains to the killing of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on November 1, 1984. A mob, allegedly led by Kumar, attacked their house, resulting in their deaths, looting, and arson. The prosecution argued that Kumar not only participated in the violence but also incited the mob to target Sikhs in retaliation for the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The FIR was registered in 1991 based on a 1985 affidavit before the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission.

Arguments and Reactions

Kumar's defense argued that the complainant's identification was delayed and unreliable1. However, the prosecution countered that the victim was initially unaware of Kumar's identity and named him upon recognition. Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, representing the riot victims, argued that police investigations were manipulated to protect the accused, calling the riots a "crime against humanity". Jagdip Singh Kahlon, DSGMC general secretary, welcomed the verdict and credited the SIT for reinvestigating closed cases.

The Broader Context

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. The violence resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs across India, with 2,733 deaths reported in Delhi alone. The Nanavati Commission investigated the violence and revealed that many cases were closed or resulted in acquittals.