Delhi Police has requested the death penalty for former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted last week by a Delhi court for his involvement in the killings of two Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court is set to hear arguments on the sentencing on February 20, as lawyers are on strike today.
Kumar, who is currently serving time in Tihar Jail following his conviction in another murder case related to the riots, was accused of leading a mob that murdered Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, in the Saraswati Vihar area of northwest Delhi on November 1, 1984.
The victims' family has also called for the death penalty for Kumar, and the Delhi Police has presented a written argument in support of this demand.
Kumar's defense lawyer confirmed that the hearing will be postponed due to the strike but mentioned that Kumar would respond to the Delhi Police's written submissions.
In December 2024, after hearing final arguments, the court reserved its judgment. During the proceedings, the prosecution argued that Kumar had led a mob armed with weapons, engaging in large-scale looting, arson, and destruction of Sikh properties.
Also Read: Verdict on Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case delayed by court
The mob killed Jaswant Singh and his son, looted their house, and set it on fire. Kumar, however, denied all the charges against him during his statement to the court.
The court stated that there was "sufficient material" to suggest that Kumar not only participated in the mob but also led it.
Kumar has previously been convicted in multiple cases involving abetment, making inflammatory speeches against Sikhs, and disrupting communal harmony.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots erupted after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, which followed Operation Bluestar on October 31, 1984.
In 2014, after coming to power, the Narendra Modi-led government established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reopen investigations into the cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Also Read: 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Delhi court defers verdict against Sajjan Kumar
Follow us
