In the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, Sikh sentiments reached a boiling point, culminating in the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards within four months. This act of retaliation led to a state-sponsored massacre of Sikhs, orchestrated by Indira Gandhi’s son, Rajiv Gandhi. The pogroms, centered in Delhi, claimed the lives of over 10,000 innocent Sikhs, carried out by Hindu mobs incited and organized by extremist politicians from the Indian National Congress, Bajrang Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party, and other radical groups.
This horrific genocide marked a turning point, driving Sikh youths to initiate an armed resistance. They compiled a hit list of those responsible for orchestrating the Sikh massacre, targeting and eliminating them one by one. Lalit Maken, a Member of Parliament from South Delhi and a close ally of Rajiv Gandhi, was accused of orchestrating the killings of Sikhs in South Delhi. On July 31, 1985, Maken was assassinated by three determined Sikh Kharkus as an act of justice for his role in the genocide.
Delhi Sikh Genocide
The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards on the morning of October 31, 1984, at approximately 9:30 AM, was a direct response to Operation Blue Star. This act of retribution ignited a state-sponsored pogrom, orchestrated with chilling precision by her successor, Rajiv Gandhi, and executed by his close associates, including Lalit Maken.
As news of Indira Gandhi’s condition spread, the crowd gathered outside AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) quickly descended from shock to fury. Angry slogans such as “Khoon ka Badla Khoon Se” (“Blood for Blood”) echoed in the air, signaling the brewing storm.
On the night of October 31 and the early hours of November 1, senior Congress (I) leaders convened meetings with local supporters to set their genocidal plan into motion. During these gatherings, weapons and monetary incentives were distributed among the assailants. More chillingly, Congress party officials handed out detailed voter rolls, school registration records, and ration lists that identified Sikh residents in each neighborhood.
By marking Sikh homes on the night of October 31, the organizers ensured the precision of their attacks. These meticulously prepared lists allowed mobs, led by Congress (I) leaders and local collaborators, to target Sikh households and businesses with brutal efficiency. In many cases, assailants bypassed confusion in diverse neighborhoods to single out Sikh individuals and families.
For example, in Cooperative Colony, Bokaro, Aunkar S. Bindra, the only Sikh among seven tenants, narrowly escaped death when his landlady denied the presence of a Sikh in her house. However, the mob, armed with precise information, identified his exact room. This level of organization underscored the genocidal intent behind the pogrom.
The mobs, fueled by hatred and led by political leaders, spared no segment of Sikh society, targeting individuals regardless of their stature or social standing. Congress leaders who controlled oil depots played a pivotal role by supplying mobs with kerosene, an expensive yet deadly resource. The widespread use of kerosene highlighted the intent not just to harm but to annihilate, as countless Sikhs were burned alive.
In Sultanpuri, where over 400 Sikhs were murdered, eyewitness accounts revealed the active involvement of Congress leaders. Cham Kaur, a survivor, recounted an early morning meeting led by Member of Parliament Sajjan Kumar and Brahmanand Gupta, an oil depot owner and Congress president of A/4 Block. Their actions ensured the massacre was executed with horrifying brutality.
South Delhi
The South Delhi region witnessed incidents of widespread arson and looting starting on the evening of October 31, 1984. The mass killings of Sikhs escalated on November 1 and November 2, leaving a trail of devastation. According to police records, 246 Sikhs were murdered in South Delhi between October 31 and November 5, 1984. However, the Carnage Justice Committee reported a significantly higher death toll, estimating that 426 Sikhs were brutally killed by rioting mobs in this area. The Ahuja Committee’s investigation placed the number at 341 deaths.
In addition to the loss of lives, extensive property destruction occurred. Police records indicate that six Gurdwaras, 385 homes, 110 shops, and 45 vehicles were set ablaze during the violence. The police also registered approximately 150 complaints related to murders, arson, and looting in South Delhi during the pogrom.
The most severe atrocities were reported in neighborhoods such as Sagarpur, Mohan Nagar, Raghu Nagar, Mahavir Enclave, Sadh Nagar, Raj Nagar, Durga Park, and Dwarka Puri. Palam Colony and West Sagarpur also became epicenters of the violence under the jurisdiction of the local police station.
Lalit Maken, a prominent Congress leader and close associate of Rajiv Gandhi, played a central role in organizing and executing this systematic pogrom in South Delhi. His orchestration of the violence further solidified his infamy as one of the key figures responsible for the 1984 Sikh genocide.
Lalit Maken – Killer of Sikhs
Lalit Maken was a Member of Parliament from South Delhi and one of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s closest confidants. He wielded significant influence in South Delhi, securing a landslide victory with 60% of the votes in the 1984 general elections. Before entering Parliament, Maken served as a Metropolitan Councillor and led the Indian National Trade Union Congress-I (INTUC) as its President.
During the 1984 Sikh pogrom, Lalit Maken played a pivotal role in mobilizing and directing mobs. According to survivor accounts, he incentivized attackers by offering ₹100 and a bottle of liquor for their participation in the violence. Maken reportedly supervised the mobs from his white Ambassador car, issuing instructions and ensuring the attacks were carried out. Witnesses claimed to have seen him visit the GT Road area near Azadpur four times during the carnage. His actions earned him the notorious title of “Delhi’s Datta Samant.”
Maken’s wife, Gitanjali Maken, was actively involved in politics as the former President of the National Students’ Union of India, the Congress Party’s student wing. She was also the daughter of Shankar Dayal Sharma, who served as Governor of Andhra Pradesh and later became the President of India (1987–1997).
Who are the Guilty
A few weeks after the Delhi pogrom, human rights activists and their organizations published a brief yet powerful report titled “Who are the Guilty” in November 1984. This report was co-authored by political scientist Rajni Kothari from the Delhi-based organization People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and Gobinda Mukhoty of the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR). The report was released after thorough investigations into the widespread murders, looting, and violence that erupted following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The report explicitly stated that the so-called “riots” were not spontaneous acts of violence but rather a state-sponsored pogrom, orchestrated primarily by leaders and workers of the Indian National Congress (INC).
The report named several key political figures as the main perpetrators of the violence, including Lalit Maken (MP), HKL Bhagat (MP), Babu Ram Sharma (MC), Sajjan Kumar (MP), Dharam Das Shastri (MP), Jagdish Tytler (MP), Balwant Khokhar (INC), Ishwar Singh (MC), Mahendra (MC), Mangat Ram Singal (MC), Dr. Ashok Kumar (MC), Sundar Lal Sood (MC), Jagdish Chandra Tokas (MC), Faiz Mohammad (INC), Ratan (INC), Satbir Singh (INC), Krishna Chandra Pant (INC), Arjun Dass (MC) and many more.
The Kharkus “Delhi Group” also known as “Jinda-Sukha Group”, outraged by the atrocities, added these individuals to their hit list, with the intent to assassinate them in retaliation. However, due to limited resources and the high-security protection provided to these leaders, the group only succeeded in eliminating Lalit Maken and Arjan Dass in Delhi.
The responsibility for eliminating Lalit Maken was assigned to Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Shindu aka KC Sharma, Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki Gill, and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha. With assistance from Bhai Surjit Singh Painta, they located Maken’s residence at L/106, Kirti Nagar in South Delhi.
For several days, Bhai KC Sharma and Bhai Kukki closely monitored Lalit Maken’s movements, observing his routine both day and night to ensure the success of their mission.
Lalit Maken Assassination – 31 July 1985
It was a Wednesday summer morning, 31st July 1985, when Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Shindu aka KC Sharma, Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki Gill, and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha arrived outside the residence, which also served as the office of Lalit Maken, located at L-106, Kirti Nagar, South Delhi. Bhai Kukki and Bhai KC Sharma arrived on a green-colored scooter, number DEH-8546. Bhai KC Sharma, sporting a small mustache and beard, wore pants, a shirt, and a light green jacket. His hair was combed upwards, and he carried a sten gun wrapped in cloth under his arm. Bhai Kukki had a .30 pistol tucked at his waist. Bhai Sukha, armed with a .38 revolver, arrived separately in an auto rickshaw around 9:15 AM.
Bhai KC Sharma parked the scooter in front of Lalit Maken’s house, on the left side. Before carrying out the assassination, the Kharkus had a meeting with Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and Bhai Mathra Singh in a flat in Tagore Garden. Though Lalit Maken had recently shifted to an official residence at AB-15, Tilak Nagar, he continued visiting his old residence at L Block, Kirti Nagar, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM to meet the public. On this particular Wednesday, Lalit Maken, accompanied by his wife, Geetanjali, arrived at his house around 8:00 AM.
The Singhs reached on time and waited for Lalit Maken to finish his public meeting. They sat on their scooter while observing the scene. Around 9:00 AM, a nine-year-old house worker, Mohammad Salam, came out. Bhai KC Sharma asked him for a glass of water. Salam brought a bottle of water and a glass, which all three Singhs used before returning them and thanking him. They casually inquired when Lalit Maken would finish his meeting, and Salam mentioned that Maken would likely be free by 10:00–10:15 AM. Noticing the weapons carried by the Singhs, Salam mistakenly assumed they were security personnel in civilian clothing.
Around 10:00 AM, a mango vendor arrived. Geetanjali Maken came out to purchase mangoes. One of the Kharkus, Bhai KC Sharma, greeted her in fluent Hindi and even helped her pick good mangoes. During their conversation, Bhai KC Sharma asked about Lalit Maken’s schedule, mentioning they wanted to seek his help for a government loan. Geetanjali suggested they meet him inside the office instead of waiting in the heat. However, Bhai KC Sharma politely declined, stating they preferred to meet him outside. After buying 5 kilograms of mangoes, Geetanjali returned inside.
By 10:15 AM, Lalit Maken emerged from his house with his party worker, Bal Kishan Khanna, preparing to leave for Parliament. His driver, Suresh Malik, was waiting outside with the car parked at the road crossing. As Maken approached his vehicle, the Kharkus sprang into action. Bhai KC Sharma opened fire with his sten gun, while Bhai Kukki and Bhai Sukha used their pistol and revolver. Lalit Maken was hit in the shoulder and stomach but managed to stagger back toward his house.
Bhai Kukki and Bhai KC Sharma chased him as he tried to hide under the stairs. Geetanjali, who had been standing nearby, witnessed the shooting and rushed toward her husband. Maken shouted, “Geetanjali, bhago!” (“Geetanjali, run!”), but she attempted to shield him with her body. This act led to her receiving bullet injuries as well. The Singhs removed her and fired additional shots at Maken to ensure he did not survive.
In this operation, Lalit Maken was killed on the spot, while his wife, Geetanjali, and party worker, Bal Kishan Khanna, were injured and later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Maken’s driver, Suresh Malik, also sustained bullet wounds to his shoulder but survived and became the key eyewitness in the case.
Within minutes of completing their mission, all three Singhs fled the scene on the green scooter driven by Bhai Sukha. The scooter had been stolen a few days earlier by Bhai Baljinder Singh Raju for this purpose.
Aftermath – Indian Parliament Shaken
Lalit Maken was pronounced dead on the spot, while his wife Geetanjali and party worker Bal Kishan Khanna were rushed to the hospital. Bal Kishan Khanna succumbed to his injuries on the way, and Geetanjali passed away in the hospital later the same day.
At the time of the assassination, a session of the Indian Parliament was underway. The news of Lalit Maken’s death sent shockwaves through both Houses of Parliament. In an unprecedented move, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day. Typically, only the House to which the deceased member belongs adjourns as a mark of respect. All important parliamentary proceedings, including the discussion of key bills, were put on hold.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, President Zail Singh, Home Minister S.B. Chavan, and several other prominent politicians rushed to the hospital where the bodies had been taken. Lalit Maken, a powerful and influential trade union leader, was a figure of prominence in Delhi politics, and his assassination left the city and the nation in shock.
In response to the assassination, Delhi Police Chief Ved Marwah announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to the capture of the killers. However, the police had very few leads regarding the identities of the assailants. Within hours, Delhi’s borders were sealed, along with exit points leading to neighboring states. Authorities launched an extensive search operation, beginning with New Delhi airport and major railway stations.
To prevent unrest, police imposed a one-week ban on public assemblies of more than four people in New Delhi. The case was officially registered as FIR No. 349/86 at the Kalkaji police station.
Arrest, Imprisonment, and Release of Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki
In this case, two of the three Kharkus attained martyrdom. Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha was arrested on September 17, 1986, following a truck accident in Pimpri, Pune. He was sentenced to death in Pune Jail on October 9, 1992, for the assassination of General Vaidya. Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Shindu, also known as KC Sharma, a resident of Kot Mohammad Khan village in Tarn Taran district, attained martyrdom on 27 February 1988 in Sector 16, Chandigarh, after being ambushed by a Punjab Police informant.
Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki, a resident of Ludhiana, was the son of Dr. Khem Singh Gill, a Padma Bhushan awardee and Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Kukki was pursuing his Master’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics at PAU and was preparing to submit his thesis. He had also been offered a fellowship from Kansas State University for doctoral research, which he planned to pursue soon.
Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki left India for the U.S.A. on 28 February 1986 using Embarkation Card No. 0313564 under the assumed identity of Yashpal Kashyap and a forged passport. On 14 May 1987, INTERPOL arrested Kukki in New Jersey, U.S.A. The Indian Government initiated extradition proceedings to bring him back to India shortly after his arrest but was unsuccessful until Bhai Ranjit Singh voluntarily returned to India on 2 May 2000.
Kukki was presented before the Tis Hazari Court in Delhi on 7 May 2000, and a supplementary charge sheet was filed against him in July 2000. He faced charges under Sections 302, 307, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. On 22 February 2003, the Sessions Judge convicted Kukki, sentencing him to life imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 for the triple murders, along with rigorous imprisonment for ten years and an additional fine of ₹5,000 under Section 307 IPC. Notably, the judge remarked in the judgment that the accused is not a criminal.
By 2003, Kukki had spent 17 years in detention. He was released on parole under strict conditions that restricted his movement while awaiting a final hearing to determine his fate. During this time, his mother, who was terminally ill, passed away shortly after his release.
Lalit Maken’s Daughter – Forgives Bhai Kukki
Lalit Maken left behind his daughter, Avantika Maken, who was just seven years old at the time of his assassination. In 2004, Avantika met Bhai Ranjit Singh Kukki, who was on parole, through the facilitation of a journalist. The meeting was unplanned and took place at a coffee shop where Kukki was present with his sister. During their conversation, Avantika asked him directly, “Why?” Bhai Kukki explained his side of the story, detailing the events and motivations behind his actions. His explanation resonated with Avantika, who found herself satisfied with his account and later supported efforts for his release.
Reflecting on the encounter, Avantika Maken stated, “I saw him for what he could have been—an educated son from an educated family, led astray into violence by the heat of things happening around him. I realized the prime of his youth had gone, and he had not pursued his education. His mother was battling cancer, and there was loss at both ends. I was 26 when I met Kukki. I didn’t want his family to suffer such a breakdown like mine.”
On May 20, 2009, after a lengthy legal battle and a reaffirmation of his life sentence, Kukki surrendered himself to the Delhi Police and re-entered the prison system. However, nearly 25 years after the incident that altered the course of his life, Ranjit Singh Gill became a free man. His sentence was ultimately commuted by the Chief Minister of Delhi, granting him his long-awaited release.
Written by the Editor and Admin of June84.com, based on survivor accounts, media reports, and Bhai Kukki’s court judgment.
