CBI alleges not enough evidence

New Delhi - – Thousands of angry Sikhs in Delhi recently protested the dismissal of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom case against Jagdish Tytler by the CBI. Jagdish Tytler, a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, was acquitted from the case for lack of witnesses.

Although initially suspended, the case was reopened by the CBI after receiving strong evidence to support the involvement of Jagdish Tytler in 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The case was once again dismissed by the CBI after it announced that the witnesses in this case had either passed away or were not available to testify. Beyond witnesses dying, a prime accused – former Congress MP Dharam Das Shastri – also passed away before any judgment could be made about his involvement.

Panthic Organizations have long blamed Indian Government agencies for causing extra-ordinary delays in hearing cases relating to anti-Sikh pogroms.  Although the decision has been criticized by the Sikh masses, it took the CBI over 20 years to decide the case of Jagdish Tytler.

In addition to protesting the CBI decision, Sikhs denounced the CBI claim of lack of witnesses.  Gurcharan Singh Babbar, President of the All India Sikh Conference, told the press during the protest that he was ready to testify and provide concrete evidence.  He alleged that testimonies had already been submitted with the Jain-Banerjee Committee and it was not the Sikhs' fault that the CBI took their time to conclude the case.

Gurcharan Singh alleged that by acquitting Jagdish Tytler, the Indian Government and the CBI had denied justice to over 5,000 Sikh families that were uprooted during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.  He asked the CBI to reopen the case against Jagdish Tytler as strong evidence proved his involvement in the pogroms.

In the mean time as Jagdish Tytler enjoys some relief, Sajjan Kumar, another prime accused, will have to bear the fury of the angry Sikh community.  A charge sheet has already been filed against him in the court by the CBI but a judgment in the case is still pending.