CBI collects testimony from 1984 witnesses in US

The dance continues. India’s infamous Central Bureau of Investigation just made a trip to the US to record testimony from two witnesses who identified Jagdish Tytler as an organizer of three days of violence in 1984 against Sikhs in Delhi.GianiSurinderSingh.jpg

A team from India’s Central Bureau of Investigation came to the U.S. Dec. 22-26 to take testimony from two key witnesses who allege that former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler organized three days of violence against Sikhs in New Delhi 1984, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. [India West]

Jasbir Singh, one of the men whose testimony was taken, was a witness before the Nanavati Commission in 2004. The Nanavati Commission found that there was sufficient evidence against Tytler to open an investigation against Tytler. However, the CBI closed the investigation last year claiming that it couldn’t find the witnesses.

The Nanavati Commission concluded that sufficient evidence against Tytler existed to launch an investigation. The CBI had closed the case against Tytler — still a prominent member of the Congress party — last September, saying it could not find the witnesses. It reopened the case after several media reported that Jasbir Singh was residing in Fremont, Calif. [India West]

This latest recording of testimony is no reason to celebrate, and probably more form than function. According to the other witness, Giani Surinder Singh, investigative authorities were anything but neutral.

The second witness, Giani Surinder Singh, told local press he was disturbed by the CBI’s method of questioning. In a statement issued after his testimony, Giani Surinder Singh said, “It appears from the CBI’s attitude that it has arrived in America to save Jagdish Tytler.” [India West]

Giani Surinder Singh’s attorney echoed his sentiments.

Singh’s attorney, Gurpatwant Pannun, told India-West, “They questioned him as though he was the killer. They have given the benefit of doubt to the accused, but they are not giving the benefit of doubt to the witness.” [India West]

indian_embassy_official_takes_pic_of_sikh_protestors_during_CBI_deposition.jpgJasbir Singh had been told that his deposition would take place at the Indian Embassy in San Francisco and members of the Sikh also arrived on the scene to express solidarity with him. However the location of the deposition was hastily changed and took place at the Gaddar Memorial, where members of the Indian Embassy took pictures when local police refused to disturb the peaceful Sikh protesters.

In San Francisco, when the Sikh community received information of CBI team’s visit, crowds representing many shades of Sikh opinion, gathered gathered outside the embassy to express solidarity with Jasbir Singh who had been asked to report to the embassy to depose. For reasons never stated, the CBI abruptly shifted the venue to Gadar Memorial on Wood Street. Not to be cowed down, on the bright sunny morning, the protesting Sikh men and women, carrying placards bearing the names of Sikhs for Justice and Sikh Youth of America, walked two miles to reach the changed venue….Embassy officials tried to make to look like a “nuisance-to-neighborhood” case but with the neighboring residents actually stopping by to watch and offering sympathies to Sikhs gathered there, the police could clearly see that a peaceful protest was not a nuisance at all. An embassy official then appeared on the balcony with a camera, a sure shot way of intimidating people who could be applicants for visa at the same embassy, but no one bothered. [World Sikh News]


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26 Responses to “CBI collects testimony from 1984 witnesses in US”

  1. Harinder says:

    Why is Jasbir Singh being such a coward.

    Let him go back to INDIA and give his statement in the court rather than hiding behind his mum USA.

    If death is what he fears !

    Then I suggest he should quit SIKHI for then that is not the religion he should associate with.

  2. Harinder says:

    Why is Jasbir Singh being such a coward.
    Let him go back to INDIA and give his statement in the court rather than hiding behind his mum USA.
    If death is what he fears !
    Then I suggest he should quit SIKHI for then that is not the religion he should associate with.

  3. Reema says:

    Harinder,

    I don't think wanting a safe environment for a deposition is cowardice, it's smart. What good is his witness testimony if no one ever hears it? I forgot to mention that his home in New Delhi was raided by police last year (Jan 7th). source

  4. Reema says:

    Harinder,

    I don’t think wanting a safe environment for a deposition is cowardice, it’s smart. What good is his witness testimony if no one ever hears it? I forgot to mention that his home in New Delhi was raided by police last year (Jan 7th). source

  5. JP Singh says:

    Harinder: Your comment is ridiculous. Writing on message board before doing any research is a foolish way to express your ignorance and eagerness to pass judgments about other people. You are right about USA being the MUM… even though he cannot go back to his MOTHERland (India), US is the adopted MUM and apparently, is taking better care of Jasbir than his own Motherland can.

    Veer Jasbir Singh ji has already given his statement before the Justice Nanavati Commission him witnessing Tytler inciting the mob. CBI still went ahead and tried to close out the case. He also gave affidavits implicating Tytler as 'one of the leading conspirator and mastermind of 1984 Sikhs massacre' to both Jain Aggarwal Committee and the Nanavati Commission. For more information click on the following links:

    1. http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?…

    2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75Gf-TdsgU

  6. JP Singh says:

    Harinder: Your comment is ridiculous. Writing on message board before doing any research is a foolish way to express your ignorance and eagerness to pass judgments about other people. You are right about USA being the MUM… even though he cannot go back to his MOTHERland (India), US is the adopted MUM and apparently, is taking better care of Jasbir than his own Motherland can.

    Veer Jasbir Singh ji has already given his statement before the Justice Nanavati Commission him witnessing Tytler inciting the mob. CBI still went ahead and tried to close out the case. He also gave affidavits implicating Tytler as ‘one of the leading conspirator and mastermind of 1984 Sikhs massacre’ to both Jain Aggarwal Committee and the Nanavati Commission. For more information click on the following links:

    1. http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=64603bef1a85fc236f2c89ebf93cc0b9

    2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75Gf-TdsgU

  7. Harinder says:

    Why cant he come to INDIA and give his statement again now that a window of opportunity exists?

    This window will not be open forever in my understanding.

    As for being smart Reema let me say that to shy away form duty of getting the guilty punished of 84 riots is in my undertanding does not qualify for being smart.

  8. Harinder says:

    Why cant he come to INDIA and give his statement again now that a window of opportunity exists?
    This window will not be open forever in my understanding.
    As for being smart Reema let me say that to shy away form duty of getting the guilty punished of 84 riots is in my undertanding does not qualify for being smart.

  9. JP Singh says:

    Harinder… You didn't read the links that I had posted, yet again demonstrating your foolishness while asking your follow-up question and comment. Work with the data provided to you before giving asking questions that make sense. Let me lay it out for you and this time, please read before making any other comments or ask any other questions.

    Quoting from the http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?…

    6th Paragraph reads… "On Nov. 1, 1984, Singh's family home on Jagjit Nagar was doused in kerosene and set on fire. His family went into hiding. The men cut their hair and stopped wearing turbans, to prevent themselves from being obvious targets, his most recent affidavit said."

    9th Paragraph "Over the course of the two years Singh provided his testimony, he was threatened by people who claimed to be associates of Tytler, Singh told India-West . In 2002, he fled India because he feared for his life and the safety of his family.

    "For each of the affidavits I filed, they told me I should write a few lines saying that Jagdish Tytler is not involved in the 1984 Sikh massacre," Singh said. "When I did not write this, they threatened me. They told me that anything you want, anything you have ever dreamed of, we will give it."

    When he refused to change his testimony, Singh was told the "consequences will not be good," he said."

    Paragraph 20 "Singh said that he is willing to testify before the court, provided his family's safety is guaranteed. His immediate family, wife and children all reside in India, and have experienced tremendous backlash since Singh's name entered the public dialogue last week.

    "A few days back, a mob stoned my house," Singh told India-West. "Even in the place where my wife is living, a few unidentified people with license number plates from Haryana were asking about my family's whereabouts. The tenants said they didn't know."

    "

    In the end of the article, Jasbir Singh ji state that "The person who witnessed is afraid for his life, and the person who did these killings has the best security possible. What kind of justice can be given, when witnesses are afraid for safety?"

    To your comment about being Smart – What ever gets the guilty party while staying alive is the smart thing to do. On the other hand, he can act like a dumb guy, go back to India (knowing very well that he will be either killed or threatened to give in) and let the guilty Tytler go free.

  10. JP Singh says:

    Harinder… You didn’t read the links that I had posted, yet again demonstrating your foolishness while asking your follow-up question and comment. Work with the data provided to you before giving asking questions that make sense. Let me lay it out for you and this time, please read before making any other comments or ask any other questions.

    Quoting from the http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=64603bef1a85fc236f2c89ebf93cc0b9

    6th Paragraph reads… “On Nov. 1, 1984, Singh’s family home on Jagjit Nagar was doused in kerosene and set on fire. His family went into hiding. The men cut their hair and stopped wearing turbans, to prevent themselves from being obvious targets, his most recent affidavit said.”

    9th Paragraph “Over the course of the two years Singh provided his testimony, he was threatened by people who claimed to be associates of Tytler, Singh told India-West . In 2002, he fled India because he feared for his life and the safety of his family.
    “For each of the affidavits I filed, they told me I should write a few lines saying that Jagdish Tytler is not involved in the 1984 Sikh massacre,” Singh said. “When I did not write this, they threatened me. They told me that anything you want, anything you have ever dreamed of, we will give it.”

    When he refused to change his testimony, Singh was told the “consequences will not be good,” he said.”

    Paragraph 20 “Singh said that he is willing to testify before the court, provided his family’s safety is guaranteed. His immediate family, wife and children all reside in India, and have experienced tremendous backlash since Singh’s name entered the public dialogue last week.

    “A few days back, a mob stoned my house,” Singh told India-West. “Even in the place where my wife is living, a few unidentified people with license number plates from Haryana were asking about my family’s whereabouts. The tenants said they didn’t know.”

    In the end of the article, Jasbir Singh ji state that “The person who witnessed is afraid for his life, and the person who did these killings has the best security possible. What kind of justice can be given, when witnesses are afraid for safety?”

    To your comment about being Smart – What ever gets the guilty party while staying alive is the smart thing to do. On the other hand, he can act like a dumb guy, go back to India (knowing very well that he will be either killed or threatened to give in) and let the guilty Tytler go free.

  11. Reema says:

    … yet again demonstrating your foolishness

    JP, no need to attack Harinder personally. Let's keep it friendly.

  12. Reema says:

    … yet again demonstrating your foolishness

    JP, no need to attack Harinder personally. Let’s keep it friendly.

  13. JP Singh says:

    Very Correct and thanks for telling me Reema ji.

    Harinder ji, I do apologize if I have hurt your feelings.

    I will suggest we replace the word foolishness with arrogance. Theek hai?

  14. JP Singh says:

    Very Correct and thanks for telling me Reema ji.

    Harinder ji, I do apologize if I have hurt your feelings.

    I will suggest we replace the word foolishness with arrogance. Theek hai?

  15. Harinder says:

    You dont hurt me veerji.

    I feel sad for u all for what all u have become.

    If fear is what prevents JASBIR SINGHJI from doing his duty you are then violating a basic ethos of SIKHISM.

    " NIRBHO "

    He will be dead one day in any case like all living mortals that we all humans are.

    But in history with him will be appended the infamy that here was a man who could have got justice to his berthens the "DELHI SIKHS" and he shied away from it .

  16. Harinder says:

    You dont hurt me veerji.
    I feel sad for u all for what all u have become.

    If fear is what prevents JASBIR SINGHJI from doing his duty you are then violating a basic ethos of SIKHISM.

    ” NIRBHO ”

    He will be dead one day in any case like all living mortals that we all humans are.

    But in history with him will be appended the infamy that here was a man who could have got justice to his berthens the “DELHI SIKHS” and he shied away from it .

  17. JP Singh says:

    Harinder… I am amazed at why such a simple concept is not sinking in for you and your follow-up remarks are really not intelligent (sorry… I really could have used some harsh words but then didn't want to get another comment from Reema ji.).

    You suggested that JASBIR SINGH JI is not “NIRBHOW". Let me simplify this for in bullet points to tell you why JASBIR SINGH JI is "NIRBHOW":

    • He witnessed his house getting burnt in 1984 by HINDU MOB and still didn't give up his Sikhi.

    • From 1984 to 2002, he stayed in INDIA while getting consistent threats from people who claimed to be associates of Tytler.

    • Gave affidavits to two different commissions and

    • MOST IMPORTANTLY, IS READY TO GIVE ANOTHER STATEMENT TO CBI

    So your doubt about his being "NIRBHOW" is absolutely baseless. If anything he has been a NIRBHOW sikh.

    HINDU mob has recently stoned his house in Delhi while he is USA. Don't you think He will be killed as soon as he sets foot on INDIAN soil?

    Why would you not suggest that he stays alive in USA and see the justice getting served because of his statements?

    Now, my question to you is… If CBI has come to US and already taken his statement, why are you so eager for him to go back to INDIA? What is your agenda?

  18. JP Singh says:

    Harinder… I am amazed at why such a simple concept is not sinking in for you and your follow-up remarks are really not intelligent (sorry… I really could have used some harsh words but then didn’t want to get another comment from Reema ji.).
    You suggested that JASBIR SINGH JI is not “NIRBHOW”. Let me simplify this for in bullet points to tell you why JASBIR SINGH JI is “NIRBHOW”:
    • He witnessed his house getting burnt in 1984 by HINDU MOB and still didn’t give up his Sikhi.
    • From 1984 to 2002, he stayed in INDIA while getting consistent threats from people who claimed to be associates of Tytler.
    • Gave affidavits to two different commissions and
    • MOST IMPORTANTLY, IS READY TO GIVE ANOTHER STATEMENT TO CBI
    So your doubt about his being “NIRBHOW” is absolutely baseless. If anything he has been a NIRBHOW sikh.
    HINDU mob has recently stoned his house in Delhi while he is USA. Don’t you think He will be killed as soon as he sets foot on INDIAN soil?
    Why would you not suggest that he stays alive in USA and see the justice getting served because of his statements?
    Now, my question to you is… If CBI has come to US and already taken his statement, why are you so eager for him to go back to INDIA? What is your agenda?

  19. JP Singh says:

    Thank you Harinder for telling me your Agenda. You are one of those folks that say… "Whatever is done is done… Let's forget and forgive and keep living our lives" Now that is a Cowardly attitude that you are talking about.

    You seriously don't get it… For thousands of people who had their housed burnt, near and dear ones passed away definitely know the difference. I am sure you would think differently of the situation… if your brother or son was killed in front of you (by putting an old tire around him and set on fire) or if your mother/ daughter/ wife or sister was raped in front of you while you couldn’t do anything. Now believe me that are many Sikh families that had to go through this and yes they are getting along with their life because they have tried and the INDIAN government has not done anything about it. The GUILTY ones are roaming free and probably because of SIKHS LIKE YOU Harinder.

    I have tried to reason with you but then again I remember my Dhan Baba Guru Nanak Dev jee's line from Asa di vaar… "Moorkhee Naal No Lujheyee" so I am going to rest my case.

  20. Harinder says:

    None of the actions you have elucidated carry hall mark of bravery.

    My agenda ( a surprising term which incidentally reflects your and his cowardly disposition )is to show that as Guru Nanak ji said that more important than rituals are your actions.

    Sikh are falling in the in the same trap like the janau thread ritual.

    If he does not give statemnt no heavens will fall on the poor "DELHI SIKHS" who have started to gather their broken thread of life again by the will of WAHEGURU.

    Let him enjoy the good time he is having as a free ride in a coutry he never made with his sweat.

    May Wahe guru bless him where ever he decides to be.

    Happy LOHRI and I shall close the chapter here.

  21. Harinder says:

    None of the actions you have elucidated carry hall mark of bravery.
    My agenda ( a surprising term which incidentally reflects your and his cowardly disposition )is to show that as Guru Nanak ji said that more important than rituals are your actions.
    Sikh are falling in the in the same trap like the janau thread ritual.
    If he does not give statemnt no heavens will fall on the poor “DELHI SIKHS” who have started to gather their broken thread of life again by the will of WAHEGURU.
    Let him enjoy the good time he is having as a free ride in a coutry he never made with his sweat.
    May Wahe guru bless him where ever he decides to be.
    Happy LOHRI and I shall close the chapter here.

  22. JP Singh says:

    Thank you Harinder for telling me your Agenda. You are one of those folks that say… “Whatever is done is done… Let’s forget and forgive and keep living our lives” Now that is a Cowardly attitude that you are talking about.
    You seriously don’t get it… For thousands of people who had their housed burnt, near and dear ones passed away definitely know the difference. I am sure you would think differently of the situation… if your brother or son was killed in front of you (by putting an old tire around him and set on fire) or if your mother/ daughter/ wife or sister was raped in front of you while you couldn’t do anything. Now believe me that are many Sikh families that had to go through this and yes they are getting along with their life because they have tried and the INDIAN government has not done anything about it. The GUILTY ones are roaming free and probably because of SIKHS LIKE YOU Harinder.
    I have tried to reason with you but then again I remember my Dhan Baba Guru Nanak Dev jee’s line from Asa di vaar… “Moorkhee Naal No Lujheyee” so I am going to rest my case.

  23. Meena says:

    Admin….It is beginning to distress me that you allow this Retard Harinder to continually goat people with his ingorance, and yet reprimand them for attacking him…Perhaps you need to take a good hard look at your own stupidity or don't you read the posts………………block this son of a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. Meena says:

    Admin….It is beginning to distress me that you allow this Retard Harinder to continually goat people with his ingorance, and yet reprimand them for attacking him…Perhaps you need to take a good hard look at your own stupidity or don't you read the posts………………block this son of a bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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