New Delhi | February 12, 2025 : In a landmark decision, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has convicted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in another case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The verdict, delivered 41 years after the crime, pertains to the murder of two Sikh men, Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh, in Saraswati Vihar during the riots. The court will announce the quantum of punishment on February 18, 2025.
This is the second conviction against Sajjan Kumar, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2018 for his role in the murder of five Sikhs and the burning of a Gurdwara during the riots. He is currently serving his sentence in Tihar Jail.
Case Timeline: 41 Years to Justice
Murder in 1984, Charges in 2021, Conviction in 2025
- November 1, 1984: Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh were murdered in Saraswati Vihar, New Delhi, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A case was registered at Punjabi Bagh Police Station.
- December 16, 2021: The court framed charges against Sajjan Kumar, recognizing the seriousness of the crime and the involvement of organized violence.
- February 12, 2025: The court, presided over by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, ruled that there was sufficient evidence to establish that Sajjan Kumar not only participated in the riotous mob but also led the violence.
Legal Proceedings and Delayed Justice
The final verdict had been postponed three times:
- January 31, 2025
- January 8, 2024
- December 16, 2024
In all these instances, Sajjan Kumar appeared via video conferencing from Tihar Jail.
Charges Against Sajjan Kumar
The prosecution established Sajjan Kumar’s active role in instigating violence. He was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 147, 149, 148 – Rioting
- Section 302 – Murder
- Section 308 – Attempt to commit culpable homicide
- Section 323 – Voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 395, 397 – Dacoity and robbery with attempt to cause death
- Section 427, 436, 440 – Arson, destruction of property
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: A Dark Chapter in Indian History
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots were one of the deadliest episodes of communal violence in India. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, mobs carried out organized attacks on the Sikh community, particularly in Delhi and Punjab.
Key Facts About the 1984 Riots
- November 1, 1984: Anti-Sikh riots erupted in Delhi and other parts of India.
- Casualties: Over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi alone; nationwide, the death toll reached nearly 3,500.
- May 2000: The Nanavati Commission was set up to investigate the riots.
- October 24, 2005: Following the commission’s report, the CBI filed cases against key accused individuals, including Sajjan Kumar.
- February 1, 2010: A trial court summoned Sajjan Kumar and other accused.
- April 30, 2013: The court acquitted Sajjan Kumar, but the CBI appealed the decision in the Delhi High Court.
- December 17, 2018: The Delhi High Court convicted Sajjan Kumar for the murder of five Sikhs and burning of a Gurdwara. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
- February 12, 2025: The court finds Sajjan Kumar guilty in yet another riot case.
Government Response and Apologies
- 2005: Then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh issued a formal apology, acknowledging the state’s failure to protect Sikhs.
- 2018: The Supreme Court reopened 186 riot cases, leading to fresh investigations and convictions.
Sajjan Kumar: Conviction History
Convictions
- 2018: Convicted for five Sikh murders and sentenced to life imprisonment.
- 2025: Convicted for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son.
Acquittals
- 2023: Cleared of charges in the Sultanpuri case, where he was accused of inciting a mob to kill three Sikhs.
The Role of Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 Riots
According to witnesses and prosecution evidence, Sajjan Kumar played a central role in orchestrating the mob violence against Sikhs.
- Eyewitness accounts confirmed that he led the crowd, encouraging attacks on Sikh homes.
- Mobs looted, set fire to properties, and killed Sikh men while shouting slogans seeking revenge for Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
- The court found overwhelming evidence of Sajjan Kumar’s leadership in these attacks.
What’s Next? Sentencing on February 18, 2025
The court has scheduled February 18, 2025, for announcing the sentence. Given his past life imprisonment conviction, it is likely that Sajjan Kumar may face additional life terms or an even harsher sentence.
This conviction marks a significant milestone in the long pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. While justice has been delayed for over four decades, legal accountability for one of India’s darkest tragedies is finally being upheld.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
