Former MP Sajjan Kumar Convicted in 1984 Riots Dies at 80

The Hindu reports on the death of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who died at 80 while serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The source details the extensive history of commissions and committees that investigated the violence over three decades. It notes that while early probes recommended charges against Kumar as early as 1987, he was not convicted until 2018. The report highlights the procedural delays and the eventual re-investigation by a Special Investigation Team.

IBTimes India reports that former MP Sajjan Kumar died at a Delhi hospital after his health deteriorated in prison. The article focuses on his legal history, specifically the 2018 Delhi High Court ruling that described the 1984 violence as 'crimes against humanity.' It details his 2025 life sentence for the burning of a father and son, noting the court chose life imprisonment over the death penalty due to his age. At the time of his death, appeals were pending.

This source reports that BJP, AAP, and SAD leaders have condemned the Congress party for tributes paid to the late Sajjan Kumar, a former MP convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The controversy followed remarks by Congress MP Deepender Hooda, who described Kumar's death as an irreparable loss and praised his public connection. Opposition figures allege these comments insult victims and expose a disturbing mindset within Congress. The report notes that Congress has not formally responded to the backlash.

The Times of India reports that Punjab Congress leaders are distancing themselves from MP Deepender Hooda’s praise for Sajjan Kumar, calling them personal views that do not reflect the party's stance. While Hooda described the 1984 riots convict as a nationwide role model, Punjab Congress MPs emphasized that Kumar was punished for his misdeeds and that the party stands with the victims. The article also documents emotional testimony from victims' families who criticized the glorification of a criminal.

LawBeat reports on senior advocate H.S. Phoolka’s sharp criticism of Congress leaders following their tributes to the deceased Sajjan Kumar. Phoolka alleged that the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were carried out under instructions from the Congress leadership and the Prime Minister’s Office, though the source notes these claims are not established judicial findings. The article details Kumar’s legal history, including his 2018 life sentence for crimes against humanity and his pending appeals before the Supreme Court at the time of his death.