Sikh Groups Protest Outside Rahul Gandhi’s Residence Over Sajjan Kumar Remark
Members of the Sikh community and families of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence gathered near the residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to stage a demonstration. The agitation was sparked by remarks allegedly referring to the late former Congress MP and convicted riot accused Sajjan Kumar as a party role model.
What Happened
Two days following the death of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, more than 200 Sikh community representatives and relatives of 1984 riot victims assembled near Rahul Gandhi’s residence on a Saturday afternoon. Protesters expressed their anger by burning an effigy of the Congress leader and beating it with slippers.
The demonstrators called for a formal apology from Rahul Gandhi and demanded the resignation of Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who reportedly made the controversial statement. According to Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee President Harmeet Singh Kalka, the remarks caused deep hurt to families who have spent decades pursuing justice for the victims of the 1984 violence.
Due to heavy police barricading in the area, authorities warned the crowd that the gathering was unauthorised and requested them to disperse. After some demonstrators moved past the barricades, police detained five to six leaders, including Harmeet Singh Kalka. They were escorted to the Mandi Marg police station and were subsequently released.
Key Highlights
- Over 200 Sikh representatives and families of 1984 riot victims protested near Rahul Gandhi’s residence.
- Demonstrators burnt an effigy of Rahul Gandhi over remarks allegedly describing convict Sajjan Kumar as a “party role model”.
- Protesters demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and the resignation of Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda.
- Police detained five to six protest leaders, including DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka, before releasing them later.
- New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma stated the protest was held illegally and confirmed that a case was being registered.
- Sajjan Kumar had been serving a life sentence following his 2018 conviction by the Delhi High Court and passed away due to health complications.
Why This Matters
The incident reflects enduring grief and sensitivity surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, during which thousands of Sikhs were killed across Delhi. Sajjan Kumar had served nearly eight years in Tihar jail following his 2018 life sentence, which overturned an earlier trial court acquittal. His recent demise and the subsequent remarks have reignited tensions and renewed demands for accountability from the victims’ families.
What to Watch Next
Delhi Police confirmed that a formal case is being registered against demonstrators who breached barricades during the unauthorised assembly near Mandi Marg. Observers will also watch for any official response or clarification from the Congress leadership or Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda regarding the demands for an apology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Sikh community members protesting outside Rahul Gandhi’s house?
The demonstration was held in protest against remarks allegedly made by Lok Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda, which described the late convicted former MP Sajjan Kumar as a party role model.
What actions did law enforcement take during the demonstration?
Police deployed heavy security and barricades around the area, warned the demonstrators to leave the unauthorised site, and detained five to six leaders at the Mandi Marg police station before later releasing them. Police also initiated the registration of a case.
Who was Sajjan Kumar?
Sajjan Kumar was a former Congress Member of Parliament convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi High Court in 2018, served nearly eight years in Tihar jail, and recently passed away following health-related complications.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.