1984 Sikh Killings Case: Delhi Court Reserves Order On Charges Against Jagdish Tytler

The Rouse Avenue court on Friday has reserved its decision on the framing of charges in a Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler related to the Pul Bangash Sikh killings in 1984. The court is expected to pronounce its order on August 2.

The case concerns the killing of Sikhs in the Pul Bangash area during the 1984 riots. Special CBI Judge Rakesh Siyal reserved the order after hearing submissions and clarifications from both the CBI and Tytler’s counsel.

The CBI filed a supplementary charge sheet against Tytler in May last year. During the arguments, defense counsel Manu Sharma presented a video from Doordarshan, showing Tytler at Teen Murthy House on the day of the alleged incident. This claim was contested by the CBI and senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing the riot victims. The CBI also cited a statement from Amitabh Bachchan.

Sharma argued that the CBI had previously filed three closure reports and pointed out that co-accused Suresh Kumar Panewala was acquitted by the trial court in 2009. He questioned the credibility of witnesses coming forward after nearly 40 years.

The CBI concluded its arguments on April 16, stating there were eyewitnesses who saw Tytler inciting the mob during the 1984 riots, providing sufficient material to frame charges against him. CBI’s Counsel read statements from four eyewitnesses, including Surender Singh, who allegedly saw Tytler inciting the mob following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

The case involves the alleged killing of three Sikhs—Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh—outside the Pul Bangash Gurudwara on November 1, 1984. Tytler is accused of inciting the violence that led to these deaths. He appeared in court on August 5, 2023, following a summons and had previously been granted anticipatory bail on August 4, 2023.

The CBI initially registered the case in November 2005. According to the CBI, the incident involved a mob setting the Gurudwara Pul Bangash on fire, resulting in the deaths of three Sikhs. The Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry, established in 2000 to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, led to the Ministry of Home Affairs directing the CBI to investigate Tytler and others.

During the investigation, evidence emerged suggesting Tytler’s involvement in instigating and provoking the mob at Gurudwara Pul Bangash, leading to the tragic events.

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