Ex-MP Sajjan Kumar Sentenced to Life in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case for Murder Of Father-Son
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, a Delhi court sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his role in the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This marks Kumar’s second life term, as he’s already serving one for another riots-related case in Delhi Cantonment. The verdict, delivered by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at Rouse Avenue Court, has reignited debates over justice for the riots that claimed over 2,700 lives.
The case stems from November 1, 1984, when a mob, allegedly led by Kumar, attacked the family in Saraswati Vihar, northwest Delhi, amid violence sparked by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The court convicted Kumar on February 12, finding him guilty of murder and inciting the mob. Prosecutors, backed by the CBI, pushed for the death penalty, calling it a “rarest of rare” case tied to “genocide.” However, Judge Baweja opted for life imprisonment, citing insufficient grounds for capital punishment.
Kumar, now 79, argued against the death penalty, highlighting his age and behavior in Tihar Jail, where he’s been since 2018. The prosecution, led by Manish Rawat, countered that his prior conviction for five murders in Raj Nagar showed a pattern demanding harsher punishment. Victims’ advocate HS Phoolka echoed this, labeling Kumar’s actions “crimes against humanity.”
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Sikh community members protested outside the court, demanding death for Kumar. “We won’t rest until he gets the death penalty,” said Sikh leader Gurlad Singh. DSGMC’s Jagdip Singh Kahlon shared the sentiment, expressing disappointment despite welcoming justice after 40 years. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa praised PM Modi and Home Minister Shah for reopening the case, hinting at a possible appeal.
The 1984 riots left a scar on India, with the Nanavati Commission noting 587 FIRs, many unresolved. Kumar’s case, dormant since 1991, gained traction after a 2015 Special Investigation Team probe led to his 2021 arrest. As Delhi processes this verdict, attention turns to other accused like Jagdish Tytler, with justice still a burning issue.
