Congress Leader Jagdish Tytler Denies Charges In 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case, Trial To Proceed

The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has officially framed charges against Congress veteran Jagdish Tytler for his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots at Pul Bangash Gurudwara, where three people were killed.

Tytler, who has long faced accusations of instigating violence during the riots, pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to commence on October 3, when eyewitnesses will provide statements.

The charges against Tytler relate to claims that he incited a mob to attack the Gurudwara on November 1, 1984, shortly after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

The court, in its August ruling, found sufficient grounds to charge him with abetting the killings by allegedly encouraging the mob.

Witnesses have testified that Tytler was present at the scene, where he is accused of inciting the mob to kill Sikhs and loot their property.

Advocate HS Phoolka, who represents the victims of the riots, expressed his frustration over the decades-long delay in bringing Tytler to trial.

"It has taken 40 years for this trial to begin. It's very unfortunate, it shows how a powerful person can cripple the whole system," Phoolka said, in comments reported by ANI.

He remains hopeful that the trial will now move forward swiftly, pointing to the case of Sajjan Kumar, another politician who was convicted for his involvement in the 1984 riots.

"Hopefully, the trial will conclude soon and he will be behind bars like the other accused Sajjan Kumar," Phoolka added.

The case revolves around the violent events of November 1, 1984, when a mob armed with weapons gathered at the Pul Bangash Gurudwara following Gandhi's assassination.

According to the court's findings, the mob, motivated by revenge, set fire to the Gurudwara, looted shops in the area, and killed three individuals-Badal Singh, Thakur Singh, and Gurcharan Singh.

The attack is one of several tragic episodes in the anti-Sikh violence that erupted in the wake of Gandhi's assassination, which left thousands of Sikhs dead across India.

(With PTI inputs)