SGPC to Challenge Acquittal of Sajjan Kumar in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case

New Delhi: The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) announced on Thursday that it will challenge the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case before the Delhi High Court. Kumar was acquitted by the Rouse Avenue District Court in a case related to instigating violence in the Janakpuri area during the riots. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Allegations of Leading the Mob
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka and General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon stated in a release that three Sikhs were killed on 1–2 November 1984, with five witnesses testifying that Sajjan Kumar led the mob responsible for the killings. Despite this, the court acquitted him.

The committee said it will study the court’s judgment in detail and then file a petition in the High Court. It intends to present witness testimonies to ensure Kumar is held accountable in this case as well.

Death of Key Witness
The DSGMC noted that Ravinder Singh Kohli, the key witness who had seen the mob kill his colleagues Avtar Singh and Sohan Singh, has passed away. His testimony was crucial, but could not be recorded due to his death.

Acquittal Distressing After 42 Years
The statement expressed that the acquittal has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community. “It is deeply distressing that, even after 42 years, the accused has been acquitted,” said the DSGMC. It alleged that Kumar had incited the mob in his then parliamentary constituency of West Delhi. The committee also pointed out that life imprisonment awarded in other cases proves that Sajjan Kumar was indeed leading the violence.