Riot of emotions runs high after the verdict on Sardarpura violence

Since Wednesday morning, the Mehsana district court was abuzz with people of Sardarpura village, some 60 km away from the town. The relatives of the accused thronged the court premises and were found awaiting the verdict with absolute anxiety.

When the judgment started coming in, the near and dear ones of those accused waiting in the scorching heat cheered in ecstasy as their men were announced innocent. On the other hand, there were many who broke down with their relatives being pronounced guilty in the case.

"I just can't express how important this day is in my life. We have been making rounds of the court for the last four years which finally ended today. We had told the police that the mob came from other village and my father was not a part of that mob. Now all I can say is that justice has prevailed," said Mahendra Patel, whose father was acquitted.

However, not everyone was as lucky as Mahendra. The 22 year-old Mukesh Patel who was waiting for the judgment since morning was stunned with the news that his father, along with his two brothers, has been convicted in the case. With a grim face, he said: "We will appeal in the higher courts as we at all do not agree with the order."

The most heart-breaking incident outside the court was of a daughter whose father, Dayabhai, was declared guilty. The moment she got the news she broke down completely, which filled the atmosphere with grief. The atmosphere was filled with more grief with the cry of Dinesh Patel whose brother Bhikha was also pronounced guilty.

There relatives of the victims of Sardarpura massacre were not seen on the court premises. In the morning, a couple of people were seen walking in the court compound but as the case progressed, they disappeared.