Sajjan Kumar, Convicted 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Perpetrator, Dies at 80

Reprimand Over Condolence Visit

The three parliamentarians represent Delhi constituencies previously carved out of the erstwhile Outer Delhi parliamentary seat once held by Kumar under the Congress party, according to India Today. Bidhuri serves South Delhi, Sehrawat serves West Delhi, and Chandolia serves North West Delhi.

Following the backlash, BJP spokesperson RP Singh clarified that the lawmakers visited the family in their individual capacities rather than as official representatives of the political organization. Despite this distinction, the visit triggered swift internal friction ahead of Kumar’s scheduled prayer meeting in New Delhi.

Backlash From Riot Survivor Advocates

The visit drew intense public criticism from prominent riot victims’ advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka, who joined the party in April 2026.

“Strongly condemn the visit of the three MPs to mass murderer Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences on his death,” Phoolka stated, as reported by India Today. Phoolka emphasized that sympathy rightly belongs to survivors and their families, many of whom continue to cope with the trauma of the 1984 violence, rather than individuals convicted of mass murder.

Legal History and Conviction

Kumar died at age 80 while serving a life sentence for the killing of five men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His convictions specifically included the murders of two Sikh men in Delhi’s Raj Nagar neighborhood during the outbreak of violence.

The controversy surrounding the MPs’ condolence visit highlights the enduring political and social sensitivities attached to the 1984 riots in the national capital, where victims’ associations have spent decades pursuing legal accountability against political figures accused of instigating the violence.