1984-riots: HC rejects Sajjan's plea for more time to surrender
What's the story
The Delhi High Court today dismissed former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar's plea for extension of time till January 30 to surrender. Sajjan has been recently sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Over his plea, the High Court said it saw no ground for granting the relief. On Monday, Sajjan was directed to surrender before authorities by December 31.
Charges
Sajjan sentenced for killing five Sikhs, burning down gurdwara
The 73-year-old politician, who resigned from the primary membership of Congress after he was convicted, moved a plea seeking extension of time to surrender. His case relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar part-I area in Palam Colony, South West Delhi on November 1 and 2, 1984, and burning down of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar part II during that period.
Information
16,000 Sikhs were killed during the riots
The anti-Sikh riots had broken out in 1984 after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31 by her two Sikh bodyguards. The riots resulted in the death of over 16,000 Sikhs. The government data reports 2,800 deaths in Delhi itself.