Government nod to prosecute Sajjan Kumar in ‘84 riots cases

NEW DELHI - Congress leader Sajjan Kumar could be in for trouble with Delhi Lt-Governor Tejendra Khanna Thursday giving the go-ahead to prosecute him in murder and communal riots cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.

“Lieutenant-governor Tejendra Khanna has given the nod to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to prosecute Sajjan Kumar,” a Raj Bhavan source told IANS.

Former parliamentarian Sajjan Kumar is accused of instigating mobs that went on a rampage killing Sikhs in the national capital in the aftermath of the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The move to prosecute him has left victims’ families upbeat and rejuvenated their hopes of justice after a prolonged delay, said Harvinder Singh Phoolka, lawyer of the families of riot victims.

This was the biggest hurdle in our striving for justice, Phoolka, who has been battling for justice almost single handedly for the last 25 years, told IANS.

The lawyer said the CBI will now file fresh murder charges against Sajjan Kumar in four cases - “two registered in the Sultanpuri police station and one each registered in Mangolpuri and Delhi Cantonment.

In these four cases, 11 witnesses have given their evidences, recorded their statements and identified Sajjan Kumar who was instigating people against Sikhs in these areas and spreading enmity between two communities.

The lawyer said: Sajjan Kumar will be tried under sections 302 (murder) and 153(A) (spreading communal animosity). He has to apply for bail, and if denied he will be arrested.

It is a great step in our struggle for justice. The CBI has been sitting over this case for the last four years after it completed its investigation.