Terrifying conspiracy had Sajjan patronage: CBI

"There was a conspiracy of terrifying proportion with the complicity of police and patronage of local MP Sajjan Kumar," CBI prosecutor R S Cheema told District Judge J R Aryan, arguing that this was reflected in the statements of various witnesses in the case.

"From the statement of witnesses, it has been shown that a large-scale violence took place during the riots and there was huge conspiracy between all the six accused, some unknown persons and also police officials," Cheema said.

The prosecutor said the police version of events could not be believed as their records showed that not even a single killing took place from October 31 to November 6, 1984 in the Delhi Cantonment area. He said a former police constable, who is now a defence witness, had testified that he was on duty in the area during the riots and had not come across any reports of killing or rioting.

"But as per G T Nanavati Commission report, the official casualty figures show that during the riots 341 persons were killed, while 385 houses, 110 shops and 45 vehicles were burnt in the area," he said.

Sajjan Kumar and five others — Balwan Khokkar, Kishan Khokkar, Mahender Yadav, Girdhari Lal and Captain Bhagmal — are facing trial for the killing of six people in the Delhi Cantonment area during the riots. The prosecutor said the killings were done on Sajjan Kumar's directions.

"In this case, the circumstances clearly show conspiracy and Sajjan Kumar is charged for the offence of conspiracy. The Delhi Police is also accused of conspiring with others but no official has been named," Cheema said.

The defence will now put forward their final arguments on May 15. The court has given them three additional dates — May 16, 18 and 19 — to conclude arguments before it reserves orders.

ALSO READ

‘Beating India in India is closest to impossible ... we made it happen’

Do as the Dutch Do

Wrath Yatra

Exchanging Notes