CBI: Eyewitnesses Saw Jagdish Tytler Instigating Mob During 1984 Genocide

On 9 Jan, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded its arguments on the framing of charges against INC leader Jagdish Tytler in the Pul Bangash killing case. The CBI said that there are eyewitnesses who saw Tytler instigating the mob during the 1984 genocide and there is sufficient material to frame charges against the accused (SDW | Vol. 1 Issue 8, Story 4). During his arguments, CBI's Counsel read the statements of four eyewitnesses, including Surender Singh, who saw the accused instigating the mob after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Special CBI judge Rakesh Syal listed the matter on 22 Jan 2024. This case is related to the alleged killing of three Sikhs — Thakur Singh, Badal Singh and Gurcharan Singh — in front of Pul Bangash Gurudwara on 1 Nov 1984. A sessions court previously granted anticipatory bail to Tytler. While granting him relief, it was instructed that he is not to tamper with the evidence in the case or leave the country without court's permission. Meanwhile, in the case of Bandhi Singhs (Sikh Political Prisoners from the 1980s-90s) the matter seems to be going nowhere. On 20 Dec, SGPC called off its march in Delhi. SGPC then said DSGMC is in contact with the government over the release of the Singhs. Until now, the Center has not given either the SGPC or any other Sikh body a date for talks (SDW Vol. 1 Issue 15, Story 2). The cases are examples of the long struggle of Sikhs for justice in India.