GUWAHATI: A Delhi court sentenced former Congress Member of Parliament Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment on Tuesday, February 25, for his involvement in the brutal killings of two Sikh men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja convicted Kumar for the murders of S. Jaswant Singh and his son, S. Tarundeep Singh, in Delhi’s Saraswati Vihar on November 1, 1984.
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The case is part of a long-standing legal battle stemming from the violence that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kumar was found guilty of leading a violent mob that attacked the Singh family’s home, setting the victims on fire and destroying their property.The horrific attack left Jaswant Singh and his son dead, while other family members sustained severe injuries but survived.
In delivering the judgment, the court emphasised the enduring impact of the violence on the Sikh community and the prolonged delay in achieving justice. The prosecution had requested the death penalty, highlighting Kumar's involvement in the violence, which had deeply harmed community trust and harmony.
Kumar is already serving a life sentence for his involvement in a separate case linked to the 1984 riots case, where he was convicted for the murders of five Sikhs in Palam Colony, Delhi. He is currently incarcerated at Tihar Jail.
This conviction comes more than 40 years after the tragic events of 1984, which claimed countless innocent lives. Though the verdict is seen as a victory for the victims' families, the fight for justice continues, with Kumar facing additional cases linked to the violence.
The case against Kumar was initially investigated by the Punjabi Bagh police station before a special investigation team (SIT) took over to ensure a thorough inquiry.
