On February 25, 2025, Sajjan Kumar, an Indian politician, is in the news. He was born on September 23, 1945. He is 79 years old. Kumar has had a long and controversial career in Indian politics.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Sajjan Kumar started his political journey as a Councillor in Delhi. Guru Radha Kishan, a social activist, helped him get this role in 1977. He became General Secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in Delhi.
Member of Parliament
In 1980, Kumar was elected to the Lok Sabha, which is like the lower house of India's Parliament. He was part of a committee for housing. At that time, he supported Sanjay Gandhi and owned a bakery. Later, in 1991 and 2004, he was re-elected to the Lok Sabha. In 2004, he won by a large number of votes. After being elected in 2005, he worked on committees for urban development.
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots are a significant part of Sajjan Kumar's history. These riots happened after Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister, was killed. Some reports say that the attacks on Sikhs were planned by politicians from the Indian National Congress party. Sajjan Kumar's name often came up as being responsible for attacks in Delhi. Some people said he gave money and alcohol to those who attacked Sikhs.
Sajjan Kumar Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Son, Wife, Daughter, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sajjan Kumar |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1945 |
| Age | 79 years old |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Positions Held | - Councillor in Delhi (1977) - Member of the Lok Sabha (1980, 1991, 2004) - General Secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Delhi |
| Significant Events | - Elected to Lok Sabha in 1980 - Re-elected in 1991 and 2004 - Involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots leading to multiple investigations and trials |
| Criminal Charges | - Accused of instigating violence during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots - Convicted for the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on February 12, 2025 |
| Convictions | - Life imprisonment for the murder of Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh (February 25, 2025) - Previous life sentence for involvement in the anti-Sikh riots (December 17, 2018) |
| Key Incidents | - Led a mob that attacked Sikhs during the riots on November 1, 1984 - Allegations of providing money and alcohol to rioters - Witnesses testified against him in multiple cases |
| Legal Proceedings | - FIR lodged in 1991 - Multiple investigations by Delhi Police and CBI - Acquitted in some cases, but convictions in others |
| Current Status | Serving life imprisonment at Tihar Jail as of February 25, 2025 |
| Public Reaction | His actions have led to widespread protests and demands for justice from the Sikh community and human rights organizations. |
Investigations
The Delhi Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) looked into Kumar's role in the riots. The CBI found that there was a big plan involving Kumar and the police during the riots. They said the police removed Kumar's name from what witnesses said.
Trial and Conviction
In 2010, Sajjan Kumar was charged with murder and other crimes. Witnesses said he worked with the police and encouraged people to kill Sikhs. In 2012, a lawyer said that Kumar supported the riots. However, in April 2013, a court acquitted Kumar but convicted others, which led to protests.
Later, the Delhi High Court disagreed with the lower court's decision. They said that Kumar had encouraged the mob during the riots. In December 2018, the Delhi High Court sentenced him to life in prison for his part in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. After this, he left his party. His lawyers said they would ask the Supreme Court to review the decision.
Kumar asked for bail for medical reasons, but the court said he did not need to be in the hospital. In April 2022, a court gave him bail in one case, but he stayed in jail because of another case. In July 2022, the Delhi High Court stopped his release.
Recent Conviction
On February 12, 2025, Kumar was found guilty in another case. This was for encouraging and participating in the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh. They were attacked by a mob of Indian National Congress supporters in 1984. The mob burned them alive. Kumar and his supporters also attacked Jaswant Singh's wife and niece. Fourteen witnesses said that Kumar was actively involved in the attack.
Life Imprisonment
A Delhi court has sentenced Sajjan Kumar to life in prison for his role in the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son. The court decision was made by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja. The crime happened in November 1984. The prosecution wanted Kumar to receive the death penalty. The court considered a report from Tihar Central Jail before making the decision. Kumar is already in Tihar Jail for another case related to the 1984 riots.
The case was first investigated by the Punjabi Bagh Police Station. Later, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over. The prosecution said that a mob attacked the complainant's house, killed her husband and son, stole their things, and set the house on fire. Kumar said he was almost 80 years old and had behaved well in prison. He also said he had not used any legal remedies during his time in jail.
H.S. Phoolka, who represented the victims, said that police investigations were changed to protect the accused. He mentioned that the Delhi High Court had called the riots a "crime against humanity". Over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi during the riots.
This is the second life sentence for Kumar. He is already serving a sentence for a case in Delhi Cantonment. The court found Kumar guilty of leading a mob that killed Jaswant and Tarundeep Singh. The attackers beat and burned the father and son. They also attacked Jaswant Singh's wife, daughter, and niece. The women were injured while trying to protect the men.
