Why is Tytler being 'spared' in 1984 riots, asks BJP

In the wake of Delhi Lieutenant Governor's Office granting sanction to CBI for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, BJP on Thursday asked why Jagdish Tytler was being "spared" and demanded time-bound trial against the accused.

In the wake of Delhi Lieutenant Governor's Office granting sanction to CBI for prosecution of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, BJP on Thursday asked why Jagdish Tytler was being "spared" and demanded time-bound trial against the accused.

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"What about Jagdish Tytler (another Congress leader accused in the riots)? Why is he not being prosecuted? And why was there so much delay?" BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said reacting to the Lt Governor's move.

Both Kumar and Tytler were earlier accused of encouraging mobs to attacks Sikhs after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 by her bodyguards.

CBI had filed a closure report in court in connection with Tytler's case, saying that no evidence was found against him.

"The people of India want justice in the heinous crimes committed against innocent Sikhs who were killed and had to face atrocities. The guilty should be prosecuted immediately and in a time-bound trial," Prasad said.

Tytler and Kumar were given tickets in the last general elections by the Congress but the party had to change its decision after a public outcry. Sajjan Kumar was replaced by his brother Ramesh Kumar as the candidate for South Delhi. J P Aggarwal got the ticket from North-East Delhi in place of Tytler.

Jagdish Tytler's replies

Jagdish Tytler replies to BJP's objection as to why he was being "spared" in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

"I was very much surprised to see your head-liner "Why is Tytler being 'spared' in 1984 riots, asks BJP" (Dated 31st December, 2009).

"I resigned from Parliament as a Minister because your Party and Shri Advani ji said in Parliament, that the case should be handed over to the CBI. You knew very well that the CBI, after investigating for five years, came to the conclusion that it was a false case and there was no truth in the allegations and they had recommended to the Court for its closure. It is for the Court to decide on the CBI's closure report.

"Let me put the facts before you in truth: I have not been spared in the way the BJP has "shielded" the BJP-RSS workers. I have struggled against the fictitous affidavits, a frivolous Media, head-hunting members of the BJP and other similar-viewed parties. My only strength was my courage, my acceptance of all the help I received from my real friends, and my own desire to bring the truth of my innocence to light.

"I am attaching herewith a news clipping from the Hindustan Times, dated February 2, 2002, which clearly shows what the then Union Minister LK Advani deposed before the Liberhan Commission. He said the "1984 anti-Sikh riots of 1984 was a greater shame for the nation than the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya."

"He, however, did not speak a word about the fact that the Delhi Police had registered criminal cases against the BJP and RSS top workers who were involved in the riots of 1984, regarding their direct involvement in arson, looting and murder. The number of these workers ranges round six hundred people. All these cases were withdrawn under the benign rule of the Home Minister, L K Advani. Is this not 'caring'? Is this not 'shielding'? If you had courage and guts, you would have questioned yourself first about how the BJP has "shielded" and "spared" the BJP and RSS workers who had registered cases and FIRs against them for involvement in murder, arson and rape during the 1984 Riots.

"You are a Member of Parliament, a spokesperson for the BJP and a rational, educated person. You should be able to stand with courage and stick to the truth, for truth cannot die. What ever truth you expose, it will stand the test of time and the rigid test of truth.

"You are a Member of Parliament, a spokesperson for the BJP and a rational, educated person. You should be able to stand with courage and stick to the truth, for truth cannot die. What ever truth you expose, it will stand the test of time and the rigid test of truth.

"I am surprised that a person like you, who could have been truthful, has fallen from his truth to become an ordinary BJP runner; who is running after lies and wasting his valuable life in wasted insults and foolish remarks.