LOOKING BACK. < 1984: INDIRA GANDHI’S ASSASSINATION AND ANTI-SIKH RIOTS When rioters ran PHOTO DIVISION PHOTO: freely on Delhi roads 30 years ago On the morning of October 31, 1984, two Sikh bodyguards shot down Indira Gandhi, prime minister at that time, at point blank range at her residence in New Delhi. Before she was officially pronounced dead around 5 p.m., attacks had begun on the Sikh community in many parts of the country. The next day, systematic attacks were launched and Delhi’s Trilokpuri, which has been the scene of communal violence in the past few days, faced the brunt of it. At least 2,733 people died during the violence, which lasted for five days. Business Standard looks back at events that took place 30 years ago.

Prime Minister COMMISSIONS On the recommendations of the Mishra Oct 31, (Top) President Giani Zail Singh (left) with Indira Gandhi 1984 commission, three committees were appointed TO PROBE DEATH OF INDIRA GANDHI on Feb 23, 1987 Rajiv Gandhi paying homage to slain prime minister assassinated on Justice Thakkar Commission was appointed One of the committees indicted 72 police Indira Gandhi Anti-Sikh violence Nov 5, soon after the death of Gandhi to probe the officers. Since 13 had retired and three died, continued till 1984 security lapses. It submitted a report on Feb 27, action could not be take action against them; (Left) Rahul Gandhi with the mortal remains of his grandmother Indira Gandhi 1986. The report pointed to a “needle of 45 were exonerated, two were censured and Persons killed in Delhi 2,146 suspicion” at Gandhi’s close aide, R K Dhawan. one was warned. In one case, pension was (Below) An anxious crowd waiting for news on the Persons killed outside Delhi 586 However, Rajiv Gandhi dismissed the charges, reduced. The fate of the remaining seven could health of Indira Gandhi (Bokaro, Kanpur) reinducting him in the government. Later, he not be ascertained for this news report. was made member of the Rajya Sabha. Total persons killed 2,732# Findings of another committee: The police deliberately didn’t record the names Number of cases CBI registered 13 TO PROBE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF RIOTS of the accused and the victims. In most cases ASHOK VAHIE PHOTO: Number of chargesheets filed 6 Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission was (total 403), the police investigation was appointed on April 26, 1985. It submitted a “absolutely casual, perfunctionary and faulty”.

Cases closed 7 report on August 22, 1986. As the demand for justice persisted, VIJAY SALUJA PHOTO: Acquittal in cases 1* Findings: the central government appointed the The violence was a spontaneous reaction Justice G T Nanavati Commission on Conviction in cases 1 Though it ruled out a role of the Congress May 8, 2000. It gave a report on Feb 2, 2005. Trial pending in cases 3 party, it pointed to a part played by some The key findings were: # R K Ahuja committee however local leaders. After Gandhi’s assassination, systematic attacks said the number of deaths in Delhi alone were 2,733. It said the police was indifferent and, were carried out against Sikhs, without fear of * Congress leader Sajjan in some cases, had connived with the police. Mobs came on DTC buses and were Kumar was among those acquitted in the case. rioters taken to particular locations. There was no The CBI has filed appeal against it. It blamed the police commi- evidence suggesting Rajiv Gandhi or other Congress leader ssioner and Lt. Governor for the high-ranked Congress leaders had suggested or Jagdish Tytler was absolved of delay in calling the army when organised attacks on Sikhs. But it did not rule charges due to lack of evidence. 5,000 men were available. out the role of influential and powerful people. Source: Nanavati commission, media reports, CBI HT:PHOTO DIVISION PHOTO: PHOTO DIVISION PHOTO:

Members of the Gandhi family, including Rajiv, Priyanka and Sonia, beside the funeral pyre at Shakti Sthal Thousands line up on Delhi’s streets to pay their homage to the deceased prime minister

Army columns deployed close to Gurudwara Rakab Ganj, New Delhi

PHOTOS: ASHOK VAHIE BS PHOTO

Rioting crowds in the wake of the assasination in the national capital A view of the vandalised shops in Connaught Place in Delhi, following Some of those affected by the rioting in Delhi the riots