Jagdish Tytler pleads not guilty in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case; trial to begin in October
PTC Web Desk: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where three men were killed outside the Pul Bangash gurdwara in Delhi. Jagdish Tytler, 80, faces charges of murder, provocation with intent to cause a riot, unlawful assembly, and defiling a place of worship, among others.
On Friday, a Delhi court confirmed that Jagdish Tytler had pleaded not guilty. Advocate HS Phoolka, representing the victims, expressed disappointment at the four-decade delay in the case, stating, "It has taken 40 years for this trial to begin. It is unfortunate and highlights how a powerful individual can delay justice. We hope the trial concludes soon, and justice is served." The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 3, where evidence will be presented.
#WATCH | 1984 Pul Bangash Sikh killings case | Delhi: Advocate HS Phoolka says, "Today, Jagdish Tytler pleaded not guilty to the charges. So, now the case will go for evidence, the Court has fixed 3rd October. From 3rd October, evidence will start...It has taken 40 years for… pic.twitter.com/Gwv76HssJF — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024
Two weeks ago, the court had ordered the framing of charges after ruling that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The charges stem from Tytler’s alleged role in inciting and provoking a mob that gathered outside the Pul Bangash gurdwara in November 1984, just days after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
In its chargesheet, the CBI accused Tytler of "inciting, instigating, and provoking the mob," which eventually led to the gurdwara being set on fire and the killing of three men. Eyewitnesses testified that Jagdish Tytler, a former Union Minister, was present near the gurdwara and actively encouraged the mob. One witness reported seeing Tytler emerge from a white Ambassador car and exhort the crowd to follow his instructions.
Despite these allegations, Tytler has consistently maintained his innocence. In a statement made in August 2022, Tytler said, "There is not a single piece of evidence against me. If there is, I am ready to hang myself." He has also claimed that the CBI's investigation, including a request for his voice sample, was unrelated to the 1984 riots case. In an earlier statement in 2022, Tytler expressed regret over the events, saying, "I will apologize because the riots happened during our time. It was shameful, and I would apologize a thousand times for what happened to the Sikhs."
The anti-Sikh riots, which followed Indira Gandhi's assassination, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs across Delhi and other parts of India. Tytler, once a prominent Congress leader, has been a contentious figure in the case and was earlier given a clean chit by the CBI on three occasions. However, following court directions, the agency was asked to reopen the investigation, leading to new evidence being gathered.
The Congress party has faced criticism for allegedly shielding its leaders involved in the riots. In 2012, then-Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh apologised for the party’s role in the violence, stating, "I bow my head in shame that such a thing happened." Other senior leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their regrets.
- With inputs from agencies
