On February 12, 2025, a Delhi court convicted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for his role in the brutal killings of two Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The verdict marks a critical moment in the decades-long struggle for justice for the victims of one of India’s darkest chapters, a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked political violence and hatred.
Sajjan Kumar’s conviction comes after years of legal battles and impunity for those responsible for inciting violence following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The riots, which erupted in the aftermath of her killing by two Sikh bodyguards, led to widespread and horrific attacks on Sikhs across India, particularly in Delhi. More than 3,000 Sikhs were murdered in a series of gruesome acts, and many families saw their homes, businesses, and lives destroyed. Yet, for years, those responsible for orchestrating or enabling the violence went unpunished.
The court’s ruling specifically addresses the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, who were brutally murdered in the Saraswati Vihar area of Delhi on November 1, 1984. Kumar was accused of leading a mob that not only killed the father and son but also looted their house before setting it on fire. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing how Kumar, alongside a group armed with weapons, instigated a large-scale campaign of arson, looting, and violence against innocent Sikh families.
In a notable development, the court stated there was “sufficient material” to establish that Kumar had not merely been a passive observer but had actively led the mob. His involvement in the attacks has now been legally acknowledged, though he continues to deny any wrongdoing. This conviction is an important step towards closing a painful chapter in the country’s history.
It also highlights a significant shift in the pursuit of justice. For decades, the victims of the 1984 riots endured not only the trauma of the violence itself but also the pain of seeing perpetrators go unpunished. Many of those who orchestrated and participated in the massacres held political power, and their influence protected them from the full weight of the law. The failure to bring these individuals to justice left a deep scar in the collective memory of the Sikh community, fueling anger and distrust in the country’s legal and political systems.
The breakthrough in this case is in part due to the efforts of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Modi government in 2014 to reopen the investigation into the riot cases. The formation of the SIT was a decisive move, acknowledging the need for renewed scrutiny and legal action, especially as the passage of time and political winds had swept many of the cases under the rug. Sajjan Kumar’s conviction is a direct result of these reinvestigations, giving hope that other cases tied to the violence of 1984 may finally see justice.
However, this verdict should not be seen as the end of the story. Arguments regarding the quantum of sentencing will be heard on February 18, and it remains to be seen how the court will address the seriousness of Kumar’s crimes. The families of the victims, and many across the country, are hoping that the punishment reflects the gravity of the offenses committed. Moreover, this conviction should serve as a call to action to ensure that all those complicit in the atrocities are held accountable, regardless of their political standing or position in society.
While Sajjan Kumar’s conviction is a momentous step, it is important to remember that justice for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims has been a long and painful road. Many families have waited for over 40 years to see justice delivered, and their fight is far from over. This case sends a message that the wheels of justice, though slow, are still turning, and the demand for accountability cannot be silenced, no matter how much time has passed.
The pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1984 riots is not just about individual convictions; it is about the integrity of the Indian justice system and the commitment to upholding the rule of law. The conviction of Sajjan Kumar is a symbol of hope for those who have fought tirelessly for justice and a reminder that the past cannot be buried. It is a victory for the victims and their families, and for all those who believe that no one, no matter their position or power, should be allowed to escape the consequences of their actions.
Ultimately, this verdict must be seen as part of a larger effort to heal the wounds of the past. As the country moves forward, it is crucial that we acknowledge the wrongs of history and take concrete steps to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. Only then can true justice be served, and the scars of 1984 finally begin to fade.
