1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Court Sets Date for Decision in Sajjan Kumar’s Saraswati Vihar Case

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has deferred its verdict in the Saraswati Vihar case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court will now announce its decision on February 12.

In this case, former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar is accused of leading a mob that attacked and killed two Sikhs, Sardar Jaswant Singh and Sardar Tarun Deep Singh, in the Raj Nagar area of West Delhi on November 1, 1984. The incident occurred between 4:00 and 4:30 PM when a mob armed with iron rods and sticks stormed the victims' home. The complainants have alleged that Sajjan Kumar, who was then representing the Outer Delhi constituency, led the mob and incited the violence. It is claimed that Kumar encouraged the mob to burn the two Sikhs alive in their house.

The mob also reportedly looted, vandalized, and set the house on fire. An FIR was filed at the Saraswati Vihar police station in North Delhi, based on affidavits submitted by the complainants before the Rangnath Mishra Commission. On January 31, the court reserved its order after hearing additional arguments from government lawyer Manish Rawat. Advocate Anil Sharma, representing the defense, argued that Sajjan Kumar’s name was not initially mentioned, that foreign land laws did not apply in this case, and that the witness only named Kumar 16 years later.

Assistant Government Advocate Manish Rawat countered, stating that the victim did not initially know Sajjan Kumar, but when he later recognized him, he included his name in his statement. Senior advocate H.S. Phulka, representing the riot victims, argued that police investigations had been manipulated to protect the accused. He emphasized that the investigations were slow and conducted to shield those responsible. The court will now announce its decision on February 12, as the case continues to unfold.