On February 27, 2002, a total of 59 passengers were burnt alive in S6 coach of Sabarmati Express at the Godhra railway station
The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday reserved its order in one of the massacre cases of the 2002 Naroda Patiya riots, after all the parties concluded their submission, almost after a year-long hearing.
The sixth division bench of justices Harsha Dewani and AS Supehia was hearing a batch of petitions filed by the state government and victims challenging the acquittals, and by convicts who challenged the special court order that convicted them.
In August 2012, the special designated court’s sessions judge Jyotsna Yagnik — after concluding the trial and examining evidences and 327 witnesses — had convicted 32 accused who were found guilty of massacre and acquitted 29 other accused for want of evidence.
On February 27, 2002, a total of 59 passengers were burnt alive in S6 coach of Sabarmati Express at the Godhra railway station. The next day, in the aftermath of the carnage, large-scale riots broke out in the city.
At Naroda Patiya, a thick mob went on the rampage, and during the day-long violence, a total of 97 people were massacred. Police registered criminal complaints and arrested 46 people after initial investigation.
Later, on the Supreme Court’s directive, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted. The SIT arrested 24 more people.
However, by the time charges were framed, six accused had died and two remained absconding till the verdict was pronounced by a special court.
Among those convicted in the massacre case were former BJP MLA Dr Mayaben Kodnani and Bajrang Dal leader Babubhai
Patel, alias Babubajrangi. Kodnani is currently out on bail on health ground.
BLOODY PAST
- Feb 27, 2002: 59 kar sevaks burnt alive in Sabarmati Express at Godhra
- Feb 28: Riots break out in Ahmedabad. Mob massacres 97 in Naroda
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