Dead While Convicted: Sajjan Kumar Passes at 81, Leaving Congress in Punjab Election Dilemma
A convicted rioter died while serving a life sentence, highlighting potential impunity for mass violence.
Sajjan Kumar, a three-term Lok Sabha member and former Delhi Congress leader, died at Safdarjung Hospital on August 20, 2026, aged 81. He was serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His death left the Congress with a political dilemma ahead of Punjab’s election; top leadership remained silent while Pawan Khera expressed sympathy.
22 AUG 2026
— NDTV
Sikh leaders and families demanded an apology from the Congress party for allegedly praising convicted former leader Sajjan Kumar as a hero.
— The Hindu
Over 200 Sikh community members and victims' families protested near Rahul Gandhi's residence, burning an effigy and demanding an apology and resignation.
— NDTV
Punjab Congress leaders denounced former MP Sajjan Kumar as a "killer" and criticized praise from Deepender Singh Hooda, distancing themselves from Hooda's comments.
To respect publishing rights, SatyaDheesh does not host full copyrighted news copy. You can read the complete article on the publisher's platform: