Delhi Court Sentences Sajjan Kumar to Life Imprisonment
A Delhi court has sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his role in the murder of a father and son during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court rejected the prosecution’s demand for the death penalty, citing Kumar’s old age and “satisfactory conduct.”
Second Life Sentence for Sajjan Kumar
This marks Kumar’s second life sentence related to the 1984 riots. The prosecution had argued that the case was among the “rarest of rare,” describing Kumar’s actions as “mass genocide” against the Sikh community. Many members of the Sikh community also called for the death penalty.
Court Rejects Death Penalty Request
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court disagreed with the prosecution’s demand for capital punishment, despite the gravity of the charges against Kumar. The judge noted that the victims had witnessed the brutal killings of their family members, the burning of their home, and looting. The court also emphasized the victims’ helplessness and the lack of support from neighbors and the police. Based on this, the judge decided that life imprisonment was the appropriate sentence, along with a fine.
Health Issues and ‘Satisfactory Conduct’
The court took into consideration Kumar’s health issues, as he is 80 years old and suffers from conditions such as hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and weight loss. His wife, aged 75, is also bedridden due to illness. Additionally, the court mentioned that Kumar has “roots in society” and that his prison behavior has been reported as “satisfactory” by jail authorities.
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Details of Kumar’s Role in the Riots
On February 12, Sajjan Kumar was convicted for the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh, who were killed on November 1, 1984, during the riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The court had earlier sought a psychiatric and psychological evaluation of Kumar before deciding on the death penalty.
Already Serving Life Sentence in Another Case
Kumar is already serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail for another case related to the 1984 riots, where he was convicted of five murders in the Raj Nagar area. The prosecution, led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had called for the death penalty, citing Kumar’s actions as genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Sikh Community Protests the Verdict
Members of the Sikh community, who had protested outside the court demanding capital punishment, expressed their dissatisfaction with the life sentence. They vowed to continue their fight to secure the death penalty for Kumar.