Medha Patkar cross-examined by defence in 2002 assault case

Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar was on Thursday cross-examined by the defence lawyer in a case related to alleged assault on her at the Sabarmati Ashram in 2002.

Patkar was cross-examined before magistrate HH Gandhi by advocate Ajay Choksi, who appeared for one of the accused.

A mob had attacked the Sabarmati Ashram where peace meeting was going on on March 7, 2002, in the aftermath of post-Godhra riots.

Choksi today asked Patkar about when she arrived at the venue, the number of people who had gathered there, and also about arrival of journalists. Patkar was also asked about the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the people connected with it.

The peace meeting had been called by Patkar and other human rights activists. The mob vandalised the place and allegedly also assaulted Patkar.

An FIR was lodged against the then BJP city youth wing president Amit Thakar, BJP corporator Amit Shah, president of city-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties V K Saxena, Congress leader Rohit Patel and others.
Next hearing would be on July 31.