Former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler has been granted 10 days by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court to scrutinize the CBI charge sheet and other documents in a case related to the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The riots occurred following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Tytler, a senior Congress leader, had requested two weeks’ time to examine the documents and the matter will be further heard on August 21.
In light of security reasons, Tytler appeared via video conferencing with the court’s permission. The complainant’s counsel objected to his virtual appearance, arguing that no formal application had been made. However, the court cited a High Court order stating that the district court in Delhi can permit online appearance of parties without any prior request.
On August 4, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vikas Dhull granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case on a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh. The judge also directed him not to tamper with evidence. The case dates back to November 1, 1984, when three individuals were allegedly burnt to death near Gurudwara Pul Bangah.
A chargesheet was filed by the CBI on September 28, 2007, which stated that no material evidence was found against Tytler. However, over the next decade and a half, a series of closure reports were filed by the CBI regarding Tytler, while opposing protest petitions filed by Lakhwinder Kaur, the widow of one of the deceased, Badal Singh.
