Rouse Avenue Court Moves Forward with Charges Against Jagdish Tytler in 1984 Sikh Killings Case

The Rouse Avenue court ordered charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in the Pul Bangash Sikh Killings case. The charges stem from the 1984 killing of three Sikhs and the burning of the Gurudwara Pul Bangash. Formal charges will follow on September 13, 2023.

The Rouse Avenue court on Friday directed that charges be framed against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the Pul Bangash Sikh Killings case. The case concerns the deaths of three Sikhs near Gurudwara Pul Bangash and arson at the site on November 1, 1984.

Special judge Rakesh Syal remarked, "There is sufficient material to frame the charges against the accused Jagdish Tytler." The court cited multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 143, 153A, 188, 149, 295, 380, and 436 read with 302 and 109. However, Tytler was discharged under section 148 IPC. Charges will be formally framed on September 13, and Tytler has been asked to appear on that date.

This incident followed the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The CBI filed a supplementary charge sheet against Tytler on May 20, 2023. On July 26, The Rouse Avenue Court issued a summons to Tytler, acknowledging the supplementary charge sheet. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand examined the evidence, stating there was adequate material to proceed. Tytler was granted bail on August 5, 2023. The CBI, in their statement, noted they had registered the case in November 2005. Evidence revealed that Tytler allegedly incited a mob that set fire to Gurudwara Pul Bangash and killed three Sikhs on November 1, 1984. The Government of India had initially set up a commission of inquiry in 2000 to probe the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

(With inputs from agencies.)