Delhi government recommends SIT probe into 1984 riots

The Delhi government Thursday recommended the setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which 2,000 people from the community were killed.

The recommendation will be sent to Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung.

"We have decided to recommend to the Lt. Governor to form an SIT on the killing of Sikhs in the 1984 riots. This is a blot on the history of India," Delhi minister Manish Sisodia told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The SIT will be given a year to complete its work from the date of it coming into existence, said a government press release.

Riots broke out in the capital following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards Oct 31, 1984.

Sisodia said the SIT should not comprise Delhi Police personnel.

The government proposed that the probe team reopen the cases which have been closed or are not traceable.

It also wants the SIT to inquire into allegations of destruction of evidence, register appropriate cases and investigate the same.