A Delhi court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday, in the cases relating to 1984 anti-Sikh riots after the prosecution contended that the witnesses were apprehensive.

Special Central Bureau of Investigation judge P S Teji refused to grant any relief to the former MP who has been issued summons for his alleged role in the carnage that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The court also dismissed similar pleas of six co-accused in the cases. It allowed the contention of CBI special prosecutor Y K Saxena who vehemently opposed the bail application on the ground that witnesses were apprehensive.

"Witnesses have been apprehensive. They have specifically stated the role of Sajjan Kumar in the riots, murder and arson," Saxena submitted during the arguments earlier in the day.

The CBI prosecutor also argued that the provision of anticipatory bail should not be invoked in grave offences like murder. Arguing for bail, Kumar's counsel I U Khan said the cases against the Congress leader were politically motivated and malicious in intent. Kumar had earlier been granted bail by the Delhi High court in 1990 in similar offences, he pointed out. "He had also cooperated with the investigating agency during the probe. There was no allegation regarding any threat to the witnesses," Khan said.