Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar was convicted on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, by a Delhi court for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the Saraswati Vihar area of Delhi. Kumar, already serving a life sentence for another riots-related crime in Delhi Cantt, faces additional sentencing on February 18.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) alleges Kumar instigated and led the mob responsible for the deaths, marking a significant development in the decades-long pursuit of justice for the victims of the riots.
“Justice Delayed, but Not Denied”: Court Upholds Murder Conviction
The court’s decision to convict Sajjan Kumar has been met with cautious optimism from the Sikh community. Many feel this verdict sends a clear message that the pursuit of justice, however delayed, will eventually prevail. The prosecution presented evidence showing Kumar’s direct involvement in inciting and leading a mob that targeted Sikh families in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
The court noted that the mob was armed with weapons and actively engaged in looting, arson, and the destruction of Sikh properties. Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh were specifically targeted in their home, with Kumar allegedly present during the attack. The case hinged on witness testimonies and meticulous investigation by the SIT.
From Commission Reports to Conviction
The case against Sajjan Kumar has a long history. Initially, an FIR was registered at a local police station. Registered in 1991 based on an affidavit, the investigation languished for years. A commission, appointed in 1985, was tasked with investigating the widespread violence that erupted in Delhi and other cities following Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Despite numerous reports and testimonies, progress was slow until the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in 2015, specifically tasked with reinvestigating the cases related to the 1984 riots.
The SIT was constituted on a recommendation. The Supreme Court had ordered its formation in 2018. In December 2021, the court framed charges against Kumar for murder, rioting with deadly weapons, and unlawful assembly. The SIT’s investigation relied heavily on eyewitness accounts, many of whom had lived in fear for decades, and painstaking reconstruction of events. The conviction marks a significant victory for the victims and their families who have tirelessly sought justice for the atrocities they suffered. The court framed charges against Kumar under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The conviction of Sajjan Kumar serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice, however long and arduous, is essential for healing and reconciliation. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots represent a dark chapter in India’s history, and acknowledging the pain and suffering of the victims is crucial for fostering a more empathetic and inclusive society. This verdict underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who incite violence and hatred.
By holding perpetrators accountable, we can send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated and that justice will prevail, fostering an environment of peace, harmony, and mutual respect. As per official figures, thousands of Sikhs were killed in Delhi in 1984. A report stated that hundreds of FIRs were filed in Delhi related to the 1984 riots, which led to the deaths of many people. What steps can our society take to further bridge divides and prevent such tragedies from ever happening again, fostering a truly inclusive and harmonious India?
