1984 anti-Sikh riots: Death to Yashpal Singh, lifer to Naresh Sehrawat

A Delhi court on Tuesday pronounced death penalty to Yashpal Singh and life imprisonment to Naresh Sehrawat for killing two Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court also slapped Rs 35 lakh fine on each of them.

"The quantum of punishment was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey at Tihar Jail, not at the Patiala Court, apprehending a possible law and order situation in the national capital," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Kumar Gyanesh said.

On November 14, the court had held Sehrawat and Singh guilty of murdering of two Sikhs in South Delhi's Mahipalpur area during 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Both the accused were booked under Sections 452 (House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 395 (Punishment for dacoity), 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy) read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

As per the official data, around 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the clashes which broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.