New Delhi: The acquittal of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court in two cases linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots has reopened deep emotional wounds for survivors, triggering anguish, anger and renewed calls for justice from victims’ families.
While the court on Thursday cleared Kumar of charges in the Janakpuri and Vikaspuri cases, scenes outside the courtroom were marked by grief and disbelief. Family members of riot victims broke down, accusing the judicial process of failing them even after more than four decades.
Several survivors demanded capital punishment for Kumar, reiterating that they continue to hold him responsible for the killings of their family members during the violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
“I lost 10 members of my family. Why is Sajjan Kumar not hanged till death? We will approach the Supreme Court,” one woman told ANI, struggling to hold back tears. Another victim’s family member said 11 relatives were killed, questioning why justice had still not been delivered after decades of legal battles.
The victims’ families said the verdict offered little solace and accused the system of betrayal. Many confirmed that they would challenge the acquittal in the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of the Rouse Avenue Court’s decision.
Meanwhile, Sajjan Kumar’s counsel, Anil Kumar Sharma, welcomed the verdict, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish any allegations against his client. He said Kumar had been “targeted” and that no witness had named him for over 32 years.
“The court has acquitted him as no allegations could be proved in the Vikaspuri and Janakpuri cases. His presence at the crime scenes was never established. We are thankful to the judiciary,” Sharma said.
The Janakpuri case related to the killing of Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh on November 1, 1984, while the Vikaspuri case pertained to the burning of Gurcharan Singh on November 2, 1984. Both cases were investigated by a Special Investigation Team constituted by the Central Government.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh pronounced the acquittal, noting that Sajjan Kumar had already been discharged from murder charges in 2023. A detailed judgment is yet to be uploaded.
Earlier, the special court had framed charges against Kumar under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, promoting enmity, attempt to murder, dacoity and mischief, observing that a prima facie case existed regarding his alleged role in an unlawful mob that targeted Sikhs, gurdwaras and properties in West Delhi areas.
However, the court had discharged Kumar from charges related to murder and grievous hurt in connection with incidents on November 2, 1984, citing lack of sufficient evidence.
With the verdict now delivered, the legal battle appears far from over, as survivors prepare to move the apex court in their continued pursuit of accountability and justice.
