In an important development months ahead of crucial Punjab assembly polls, Centre has decided to reopen 75 closed cases of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
As per data, a total of 3,325 people were killed in the riots where Delhi alone accounted for 2,733 deaths. Delhi Police had earlier closed 241 cases citing lack of evidence. Rest of the cases occurred in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Kejriwal has criticised the move saying that it was done to prevent Delhi government from forming an effective SIT.
Justice Nanavati Commission had recommended reopening of only four of the 241 cases closed by police but BJP wants re-investigation of all the other 237 cases.
CBI had reopened and re-investigated only four cases. In two of them, the probe agency had filed a charge sheet and in one, five persons, including a former MLA, were convicted.
The SIT was setup on February 12, 2015 following a recommendation by Home Ministry-appointed Justice (retd) G P Mathur committee.
The three-member SIT comprises two Inspector General rank IPS officers and a judicial officer, a Home Ministry official said. At the time of formation of the SIT about one-and-a-half- years ago, the government had said it would submit its report within six months.
