Naroda Gaam: State accepts politicians' involvement

In Naroda Gaam riot case, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) submitted before the special designated court that the state government had accepted findings against the political leaders' involvement and only after that had granted permission to take action.

It included accused like former BJP leader Maya Kodnani and VHP leader Jaydeep Patel and others. The special designated court's principal sessions judge PB Desai is hearing final submission on the Naroda riot case. Eleven members of the minority community had lost their lives after the mob attacked their residence on February 28, 2002, following Godhra carnage.

On Monday, the special public prosecutor Suresh Shah submitted, Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court, had put up all evidence collected during the investigation. Only after going through all these evidences, the state government had granted permission for prosecution. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) also submitted that because the local police investigation was not satisfactory, the SC had constituted SIT for a fair investigation.

On earlier hearings, SPP while citing the statement of witness Abdul Kureshi, who has identified accused Pradyuman Patel, Sunil owner of a medical shop and one Modi owning autorickshaw. He had further cited the testimony of 17 witnesses, in which some of the witnesses have endorsed the role of BJP leader Mayaben Kodnani and VHP leader Jaydeep Patel.