New Delhi: A Delhi court has sentenced former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, convicting him in a murder case related to the killing of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict on Tuesday, rejecting the prosecution’s plea for the death penalty. Kumar, who is already serving a life sentence in another riot-related case, was found guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, murder, and dacoity. The court had earlier sought a psychiatric and psychological evaluation of Kumar as per a Supreme Court directive before deciding on the quantum of punishment.

The case, initially registered at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station, was later handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further probe. According to the prosecution, a large, armed mob attacked the residence of the victims on November 1, 1984, in Raj Nagar, looting their belongings and setting the house on fire. Jaswant Singh and his son were brutally killed during the violence, which was part of the widespread riots that erupted after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The complainant, Jaswant’s wife, had pursued the case for decades, demanding justice for her family and other riot victims.

Sajjan Kumar, who was once a prominent Congress politician, has been embroiled in multiple cases related to the 1984 riots. His conviction and sentencing mark another significant legal victory for the victims’ families, who have long sought accountability for the mass violence against Sikhs. With Kumar already lodged in Tihar Jail, this latest verdict reinforces the judiciary’s stand on ensuring justice for the riot victims, despite the passage of over four decades. The case also highlights the enduring scars of the 1984 riots and the continuing legal battles for those affected.