Gujarat HC admits plea against verdict in Sardarpura riot case

A bench of justices Jayant Patel and Paresh Upadhyay, on Friday, admitted appeals against the verdict in Sardarpura riot case. The appeals were filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which probed the case and questioned victims as well as accused in the case. Further hearing of the appeal is posted on May 3.

The SIT and the state have filed appeals challenging the acquittal of 42 accused. The 31 persons, who were awarded life sentence by the trial court, have also filed appeals. Some of the victims too have challenged the acquittals of 14 accused. In November, last year, the special court in Mehsana awarded life imprisonment to 31 people in the Sardarpuara riot case, acquitting 42. Out of these, 11 were acquitted for lack of evidence, while 31 got benefit of doubt.

The riot at Sardarpura in Vijapur tehsil of Mehsana district, took place on the intervening night of February 28 and March 1, 2002, following Godhra train burning.