Breaking: Sajjan Kumar Acquitted in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case After 40 Years

Breaking news: Sajjan Kumar acquitted in a key 1984 anti-Sikh riots case after nearly 40 years

New Delhi – Nearly four decades after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a court has acquitted former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a key case linked to the nationwide violence that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The verdict has reopened painful memories for victims’ families, reignited political debate, and triggered fresh discussions about justice, accountability, and India’s long and complicated legal battle over one of its darkest chapters.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots erupted after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards. What followed was a wave of violence across several parts of India, particularly in Delhi, Kanpur, Bokaro, and other cities, where thousands of Sikhs were killed, homes were burned, and businesses were destroyed.

Estimates suggest that over 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi alone, while thousands more were displaced. Survivors have long alleged that political leaders, police officials, and local administrators either instigated or failed to prevent the violence.

Sajjan Kumar, a senior Congress leader at the time and a powerful political figure in Delhi, has faced multiple allegations of involvement in the riots. Over the years, he has been charged in several cases related to mob violence, incitement, and murder.

The latest acquittal pertains to a case involving allegations of inciting mobs and participating in violent acts against Sikhs in a particular locality in Delhi in 1984.

According to court documents:

The prosecution alleged that Sajjan Kumar had led a mob that attacked Sikh residents, torched houses, and encouraged violence.
Several witnesses claimed that they saw Kumar at the scene, allegedly giving instructions to rioters.
The defense argued that the evidence was inconsistent, delayed, and unreliable, with contradictions in witness testimonies.

After examining the evidence, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Kumar’s acquittal in this specific case.

The judge reportedly noted:

There were major discrepancies in witness statements.
Key witnesses had come forward decades after the incident.
There was no corroborative forensic or documentary evidence linking Kumar directly to the alleged acts in this case.

The acquittal highlights the painfully slow pace of justice in cases related to the 1984 riots.

Over the years:

Multiple commissions of inquiry were set up, including the Ranganath Misra Commission, Nanavati Commission, and others.
Dozens of cases were reopened following recommendations by inquiry panels.
Several accused persons were convicted, while many others were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Sajjan Kumar himself has faced multiple trials. In 2018, he was convicted in another 1984 riots case and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of five Sikhs in Delhi’s Raj Nagar area.

The latest acquittal does not affect that life sentence, as it pertains to a separate case. However, it underscores how outcomes can vary widely depending on the quality of evidence in individual cases.

The acquittal has triggered deep anguish and anger among survivors and victims’ families.

Many family members said they felt betrayed by the justice system, which they believe failed to hold powerful individuals accountable.

One survivor reportedly said:

We waited 40 years for justice. Witnesses died, evidence disappeared, and now the court says there isn’t enough proof. What kind of justice is this?”

Another victim’s relative added:

This acquittal feels like a second assault on our dignity. We never got closure.”

Several Sikh organizations announced plans to challenge the verdict and demanded a fresh investigation into the case.

While the Congress distanced itself from Sajjan Kumar years ago, party leaders said they respect the court’s decision but emphasized that the party had already taken action by expelling Kumar in the past.

The BJP criticized the Congress, arguing that the acquittal reflects systemic failures under previous governments to ensure timely justice.

The Congress shielded those responsible for decades. This verdict shows how justice was delayed and diluted.”

Several Sikh leaders said the verdict undermines confidence in the justice system and called for special fast-track courts for riot-related cases.

Delayed Investigations:
Many FIRs were filed years after the violence, leading to loss of crucial evidence.

Witness Intimidation:
Survivors alleged threats, coercion, and political pressure, causing many to turn hostile or stay silent.

Poor Documentation:
Police records from 1984 were incomplete or missing.

Political Interference:
Critics argue that successive governments failed to pursue cases aggressively.

Aging Witnesses:
After 40 years, memory lapses and deaths of key witnesses weakened the prosecution.

Senior advocates said that while the acquittal is legally justified based on the evidence presented, it reflects a larger moral failure of the justice system.

Accountability for powerful figures:
Many riot-related cases collapse due to lack of political will.

Speed of justice:
Justice delayed is justice denied, especially in crimes against humanity.

Witness protection:
India still lacks robust witness protection in sensitive cases.

Institutional reform:
There are growing calls for special investigative agencies and fast-track courts for mass violence crimes.

Legal observers say the prosecution or victims’ families may:

Appeal the acquittal in a higher court.
Seek a review or retrial if new evidence emerges.
Demand further inquiry by an independent agency.

However, given the age of the case and deterioration of evidence, overturning the verdict will be an uphill legal battle.

Breaking: Sajjan Kumar Acquitted in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case After 40 Years