1984 anti-Sikh riots: Convict Sajjan Kumar seeks 30 days time to surrender, moves application before Delhi HC

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has moved an application before Delhi High Court seeking 30 days time to surrender. Kumar has asked more time from court till January 31 to surrender as he needs more time to settle family affairs. The court likely to hear application tomorrow.

Sajjan Kumar's advocate Anil Sharma said they need some more time to file an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the high court's verdict. He also has to settle family matters relating to his children and property.

"Sajjan Kumar has filed an application in Delhi High Court to give him a month to surrender. We will oppose that application tomorrow," Senior lawyer HS Phoolka.

On December 17, Delhi High Court convicted Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and sentenced him life-term jail. Sajjan Kumar was earlier acquitted by the trial court that was reversed by Delhi HC, reported ANI. Kumar has been asked to surrender by 31st December 2018.

Delhi High Court also extended the life imprisonment of other two convicts from 3 years to 10 years. Kumar, 73-year-old was convicted in the killing of five members of a family in Raj Nagar and the torching of a gurdwara in Delhi on November 1, 1984.

"It is important to assure the victims that despite the challenges truth will prevail," the High Court said, giving a shout-out to victims like Jagdish Kaur and Nirpreet Kaur, who fought for justice for 34 years and suffered intimidation and harassment. "The aftershock of those atrocities is still being felt," said the court.

Around 3,000 people were killed when mobs led by Congress leaders targeted Sikhs after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31.

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