Delhi Court Adjourns Verdict In 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case Against Sajjan Kumar

A Delhi court on Tuesday adjourned its verdict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots murder case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who was set to deliver the judgment, postponed it to January 31 after the prosecution requested more time to present further arguments on certain points. “January 31 is the next date,” the judge stated.

The case pertains to the alleged killings of two individuals, Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh, in the Saraswati Vihar area during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Kumar, who is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, appeared via video conferencing for the hearing.

The court had previously reserved judgment after hearing the final arguments in the case. The murders occurred on November 1, 1984, when a mob attacked the complainant’s home, resulting in the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son, alongside widespread looting, arson, and destruction of Sikh properties.

Initially investigated by the Punjabi Bagh police station, the case was later transferred to a special investigation team.

On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against Kumar, determining that there was a “prima facie” case against him. The prosecution claimed that the mob, armed with deadly weapons, sought revenge for the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The attackers not only murdered the victims but also set their house on fire and looted their belongings.

In its order, the court found sufficient evidence to form a “prima facie opinion” that Kumar was not only involved in the mob but had also led it.

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