On February 12, 2025, a Delhi court convicted former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, specifically concerning the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, in Delhi’s Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984. This conviction adds to Kumar’s existing life sentence for another case related to the same riots.
Background of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
The assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards led to widespread violence against the Sikh community across India. In Delhi, armed mobs engaged in large-scale looting, arson, and killings, targeting Sikhs in retaliation for Gandhi’s assassination. The violence resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,700 Sikhs in the national capital alone.
Details of the Case Against Sajjan Kumar
According to the prosecution, on November 1, 1984, an armed mob attacked the residence of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, in Saraswati Vihar. The mob looted their house, inflicted fatal injuries on both individuals, and subsequently set the property ablaze. Eyewitnesses testified that Sajjan Kumar not only participated in the mob but also led it, inciting violence against the Sikh community.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, presiding over the case at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, found Kumar guilty of murder and other related charges. The court scheduled the hearing for arguments on sentencing for February 18, 2025.
Sajjan Kumar’s Legal History
Prior to this conviction, Sajjan Kumar was serving a life sentence handed down by the Delhi High Court in December 2018 for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In that case, the court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy and incitement to violence leading to the deaths of five members of a Sikh family in the Delhi Cantonment area. The court described the riots as “crimes against humanity” and emphasized the need for accountability for those who orchestrated the violence.
Reactions to the Conviction
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) welcomed the court’s verdict. Jagdip Singh Kahlon, DSGMC’s general secretary, stated, “Sajjan Kumar, who was leading the Sikh massacre 40 years ago, has been convicted and he would be punished… I thank the court for this… I thank PM Modi and HM Amit Shah for forming an SIT after coming to power. This is the result of reinvestigating the closed cases… We hope to get justice in the Jagdish Tytler case also.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Advocate Anil Sharma, representing Kumar, argued that his client’s name was not initially mentioned in the case and highlighted that an appeal against Kumar’s 2018 conviction is pending before the Supreme Court. However, additional public prosecutor Manish Rawat countered that the victim identified Kumar upon becoming aware of his identity and included his name in her statement.
Senior advocate H S Phoolka, representing riot victims, contended that police investigations were manipulated in the Sikh riots cases. He referenced the Delhi High Court’s judgment, asserting that the riots were part of a larger massacre and emphasized the need for accountability.
Conclusion
Sajjan Kumar’s conviction marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. As the court prepares to deliberate on his sentencing, this case underscores the enduring quest for justice by the victims and their families, even decades after the tragic events.
