1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Delhi Court Acquits Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday acquitted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar and two other individuals in a case related to rioting and murder during the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots. The case revolved around the killing of Surjeet Singh in the Sultanpuri area in November 1984.

Special CBI Judge Geetanjali Goel acquitted Sajjan Kumar, Brahamanand Gupta, and Ved Prakash. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered this case and filed a charge sheet under sections concerning rioting, murder, arson, and promoting enmity between communities, among others.

The Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry was established in 2000 by the Government of India to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. Following the Commission’s report, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the CBI to investigate the case involving the then Member of Parliament and others.

Advocates Anil Kumar Sharma and SA Hashmi represented Sajjan Kumar, arguing that there was no evidence against the accused. They contended that it was a new case without supporting evidence. Additionally, they highlighted that all cases related to the killings in Sultanpuri had been investigated and tried.

In the case of Surjeet Singh, a closure report had been filed. The prosecution witness Joginder’s statement was also recorded, but it did not mention Sajjan Kumar’s name. Subsequently, the CBI conducted a renewed investigation and filed a charge sheet against Sajjan Kumar and other accused individuals.