SIT has decided to close 1984 riots case, police tells court

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has decided to close a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in which two men were killed by a mob in central Delhi as no evidence regarding any accused could be collected during its reinvestigation, police has informed a Delhi court. The police told Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra that it has been decided to close the case, which was re- opened following the decision of the SIT.

After constitution of an SIT in 2015 following an order of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the case was re-opened and further investigated. The court was also informed about it. The court has issued notice to the family members of the two Sikh men who were killed by a mob near ISBT, Kashmiri Gate in Central Delhi on November 1, 1984 during the riots that broke out following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In its latest 16-page report filed before the court, the police said, “No incriminating direct or circumstantial evidence is available against any person. Hence, further investigation of the case has been closed. “Accordingly final report under section 173(8) CrPC regarding closure of further investigation is being submitted to the court. An intimation with regard to closure of further investigation has also been given to the complainant.”

According to the prosecution, on November 1, 1984 police officials saw people shouting near ISBT taxi stand and 15-20 vehicles were being burnt and around 500 rioters were carrying sticks and stones.

In its latest 16-page report filed before the court, the police said, “No incriminating direct or circumstantial evidence is available against any person. Hence, further investigation of the case has been closed.