'Delhi Police allowed 1984 anti-Sikh riots'

In what could prove to be a setback to the Congress during the polls, Cobrapost, a news portal, on Tuesday came up with a fresh investigative report, claiming the Delhi Police allowed anti-Sikh riots to happen in 1984 as its top officials had colluded with the “government of the day” to teach the community “a lesson”.

Following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, unruly mobs went on a rampage against innocent Sikhs in different parts of the capital. The murder and mayhem, arson and loot of shops owned by Sikhs continued for three days from October 31, resulting in “more than 3,000 deaths” here.

“The police force had succumbed to anti-Sikh sentiments, thus abetting rioting and arson, even encouraging rioters. Repeated warnings (aired over wireless) about the simmering communal sentiments against Sikhs in their areas went unheard by senior officers,” the news portal said.

Cobrapost came up with stinging report on the role of the Delhi Police and the then Congress government on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, releasing video clips of the revelations made by some retired police officers, who were then deployed at different locations.