Charges against 74 riots accused likely today

Charges against 74 accused of the 2002 Sardarpura riot cases are likely to be framed on today. Thirty-three people were burnt alive by a mob that targeted Shaikh Mohalla in Sardarpura village on the night of March 1-2. The village is situated in Vijapur taluka of Mehsana district.

According to sources close to the development, fast-track judge SC Srivastava is likely to hear arguments of both the prosecution and the defence today before the charges are framed.  While 55 accused were arrested by the previous investigating agency in connection with the case, the rest were arrested by the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by the apex court. A charge-sheet was later filed against the accused in the matter.

The Mehsana court had rejected bail applications of eight of the accused in the case after which they appealed in the Gujarat high court. The applications are still under consideration of the court. On the other hand, the court has granted bail to 13 accused. SIT has filed petition in the high court, seeking cancellation of their bails.

Advocate SP Shah is appearing as special public prosecutor in the case. The accused have been booked under various sections of the IPC, including murder and unlawful assembly. "Once the charges are framed, witnesses in the case will be examined and cross-examined," a source close to the development said. The fast-track court had earlier rejected a revision application filed by an accused, requesting the court that he be exonerated of all charges.