New Delhi, India (February 26, 2013): As per media reports a Delhi court is scheduled hear a November 1984 case against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. The case is related to massacre of Sikhs in first week of November 1984 in which thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive or otherwise killed by mobs.
Indian Politician who is facing charges related to massacre of Sikhs in November 1984
The massacres that took place throughout India were perpetuated by High-ups in the Indian administration with the help of government or state machinery.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a premier Investigative agency of India, will make its final arguments in the case and the hearing is expected to conclude tomorrow.
10 points related to this case:
* When the trial court last heard the case against Sajjan Kumar, it had slammed the CBI, saying if the agency failed to conclude its arguments in the next hearing, the court would be forced to go ahead and deliver its order.
* There has been inordinate delay in the case despite the Delhi High Court saying in February 2010 that all November 1984 cases should be disposed within six months.
* This is one of the three cases against Sajjan Kumar, who is a former Congress MP from Delhi.
* Sajjan Kumar, along with five others, is facing trial for inciting a mob to kill Sikhs in the Delhi cantonment area 29 years ago.
* The five others who are facing trial for their role in the killing of six people in the Delhi cantonment area are – Balwan Khokkar, Kishan Khokkar, Mahender Yadav, Girdhari Lal and Captain Bhagmal.
* The case against Sajjan Kumar was lodged on the recommendation by the Nanavati Commission. The CBI had filed two chargesheets against him and the others in January 2010.
* The CBI in April 2012 had told the trial court that there was a conspiracy of “terrifying proportion” between the Congress leader and the police during the violence against the Sikhs.
* In 2010, the Supreme Court had refused to quash the charges against Sajjan Kumar and said the trial will continue against him.
* Sajjan Kumar and the five others have been charged under sections 302 (murder), 395 (dacoity), 427 (mischief to cause damage to property), 153A (promoting enmity between different communities) and other provisions of IPC.
* The November 1984 massacres were part of Sikh Genocide 1984 and carnage had broke out after the assassination of then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.
* Sajjan Kumar and other accused were able to evade prosecution or trial due to State patronage.
* Genocide is not a specific crime under Indian law therefore Sajjan Kumar can’t face charges of genocide in India.