Home Ministry Expands Probe Ambit In 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots; Enables SIT To Reopen Cases In Which Accused Were Discharged

Expanding the ambit of the investigation into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, the Union Home Ministry has enabled the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting the probe to reopen investigations in all the cases in which trial had been completed and the accused were discharged, reports The Hindu.

According to the report, the MHA increased the scope of investigations after it received a representation from the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

“Looking at the seriousness of criminal cases relating to 1984 riots cases, the competent authority has decided that the SIT may also investigate/ further investigate/ re-investigate the appropriately serious cases, which have been closed on account of the discharge of the accused, if any, on fresh evidence/facts coming to light,” the MHA said in an order.

As per the report, a senior official said that the SIT is looking for the number of such cases that will be re-investigated and sent for trial again.

“We sought legal opinion and concluded that such cases pertaining to the 1984 Sikh riots, in which the accused were discharged or acquitted, could also be investigated again. The SIT is compiling the list,” said the official, as reported by The Hindu.

A year after the Bharatiya Janata Party came into power in 2014, a three-member SIT was announced by the Home Ministry for re-investigation of the anti-Sikh riots cases, mainly in Delhi. The SIT was mandated to probe the cases which have been closed.