Delhi Court Awards Life Imprisonment to Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case

In a landmark verdict, a Delhi court today sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his involvement in the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja pronounced the judgment, marking a significant step in delivering justice to the victims’ families after nearly four decades.

The prosecution and the victims’ family had sought the maximum punishment for Kumar, who was already serving a life sentence in another riot-related murder case. His appeal in that case is pending in the Supreme Court, along with other appeals related to his acquittal and convictions in higher courts.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which erupted following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saw widespread violence targeting the Sikh community. Over 3,000 Sikhs were killed in the riots, with many cases remaining unresolved for years.

Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a long-awaited relief for the victims. Delhi Minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa told the media, “People like Sajjan Kumar, who held influential positions, roamed freely for years. This verdict brings hope that other culprits will also face justice.” He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reopen cases related to the riots.

However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of politicizing the verdict. AAP MLA Jarnail Singh emphasized that justice should be impartial, stating, “Action must be taken against everyone involved in the riots, whether they belong to the BJP or the Congress.”

The verdict has reignited discussions about accountability and justice for the victims of one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. While the sentencing of Sajjan Kumar is a significant milestone, many families continue to seek closure as they await justice for other perpetrators involved in the riots.

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