CBI opposes bail to Sajjan in ’84 anti-Sikh riots cases

NEW DELHI: After 25 years, Sajjan Kumar is facing the heat of the anti-Sikh riots. The CBI on Monday opposed the anticipatory bail of the former parliamentarian, who is accused in two Delhi riot cases, saying he may influence witnesses.

Arguing that the case was sensitive in nature and people’s emotions were attached to it, CBI said, “although no complaint was registered against Sajjan and other accused in the case, the fact is that the witnesses are scared and did not feel safe.”

The court also dismissed similar pleas of six co-accused — Peru, Mahender Yadav, Brahma Nand Gupta, Balwant Khokhar, Krishan Khokhar and Ved Prakash. CBI had chargesheeted 13, including Sajjan Kumar, on January 13, for allegedly making provocative speeches leading to the killing of 12 persons.

It had filed the chargesheets in the court after concluding its investigation into the cases registered on the recommendation of Nanavati Commission in 2005.
CBI special prosecutor Y K Saxena who vehemently opposed the bail application on the ground that witnesses were apprehensive.

“Witnesses have been apprehensive. They have specifically stated the role of Sajjan Kumar in the riots, murder and arson,” Mr Saxena submitted during the arguments.

On behalf of Sajjan Kumar, who is among those accused of instigating people to kill Sikhs in the capital after Indira Gandhi’s assassination, senior advocate I U Khan said the case had been dragging on for years but the petitioner had never tried to influence any witness or tampered with evidence. “No complaint of any misconduct with the case property or of threatening is ever registered against Sajjan,” Mr Khan said.

The CBI counsel said the offence was of a grave nature and granting bail at this juncture could hamper investigation. The CBI has to go to Amritsar to record the statement of a witness, it said. However, Mr Khan said custodial interrogation was not required in the case and Sajjan Kumar was not absconding.

The CBI had filed two chargesheets in two riot cases against Sajjan Kumar and others last month.