Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Obituary Revisits Sajjan Kumar’s Alleged Role in 1984 Delhi Violence
This article looks back at violence against Sikhs in Delhi in 1984.
The violence began soon after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two Sikh bodyguards.
Thousands of Sikhs were reportedly attacked and killed.
The article says Sajjan Kumar was able to move freely during the violence.
It accuses him of encouraging crowds and ordering attacks on innocent people.
Families of victims gave painful testimonies about what happened.
The article also says Kumar had police protection and political support.
It presents the violence as a way for Kumar to gain political rewards and recognition.
The obituary was originally written in 1984, after Indira Gandhi’s assassination triggered deadly violence against Sikhs in Delhi.
It alleges that Sajjan Kumar helped incite crowds and ordered attacks on Sikh civilians during three days of unrest.
Testimonies from victims’ relatives describe killings allegedly carried out because the victims were Sikh.
The article says Kumar benefited from police protection and political patronage while operating in Delhi.
It portrays Kumar’s rise from bakery owner to Congress muscleman as linked to political connections and loyalty.
- Who
- Sajjan Kumar, Sikh victims and their families, Indira Gandhi, and members of the Congress party are identified in the article.
- What
- The article revisits allegations that Sajjan Kumar incited crowds and ordered the killing of Sikh civilians during the 1984 Delhi violence.
- When
- The events occurred over three days after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984; the obituary was first written that year.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- The article says the attacks targeted people because they were Sikh and portrays Kumar’s actions as an effort to demonstrate political loyalty and gain rewards.
- Original obituary
- First written in 1984.
- Triggering event
- The assassination of Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards.
- Duration described
- Three days of violence in Delhi.
- Victims
- Sikhs targeted because of their faith and visible religious identity, including turbans.
- Alleged role of Sajjan Kumar
- The article says he exhorted crowds and ordered the slaying of innocents.
- Support described
- The article says Kumar had police protection and political patronage.
- Political affiliation
- He joined the Congress and reportedly attracted the attention of Sanjay Gandhi.