Ahmedabad: Almost a decade after 95 people were killed in one of
the worst 2002 Gujarat riots cases, a special court in Ahmedabad is
expected to deliver its verdict today in the Naroda Patiya case against
the 61 accused, including former BJP minister Maya Kodnani and former
Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi.
On February 28, 2002 during the bandh call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a rioting mob had attacked Naroda Patiya, killing 95 Muslims.
"What was the fault of people of Naroda Patiya? What wrong had small children done that they were killed mercilessly?" questions Shakeela Bano, a Naroda Patiya riot victim, who is still haunted by images of her children being brutally murdered.
With communal riots were fast spreading across Gujarat, a day after a coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire, Shakeela, her husband, her mother, two children and others were praying the mayhem would not reach Naroda Patiya in Ahmedabad.
Then, during the VHP sponsored bandh, a murderous mob attacked the area. For almost the entire day they tried escaping the mob's fury, pleading for mercy. But they weren't spared; eight members of her family were killed.
"We only want those who have committed this heinous act should be punished. Imagine how innocent people were killed mercilessly. What was their fault? Punish those who were responsible for Godhra, be it Muslims or Hindus," said Shakeela.
95 innocent lives were lost in the carnage. Many were burnt alive.
Shopkeeper Nazeer Mohammad was lucky, but he is still trying to piece his life together. His family managed to escape the rioters, but their home, business and all their savings were gone in the anarchy that followed.
"They first took away whatever they could lay their hands on. My wife used to sell bangles from home... that was also looted... all valuables were taken away before they set the house afire," recalls Nazeer.
The case was first investigated by the Gujarat Police, but in 2009, the Supreme Court appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe ten cases including this incident.
The SIT registered cases against many accused including the then minister Mayaben Kodnani and arrested her. This was the first time a minister was arrested in a riot case. The Naroda Patiya victims had given statements stating that Ms Kodnani had incited mobs.
Of the 64 people accused, three died during trial. The remaining 61 accused were tried for murder, arson and rioting - most of them are out on bail.
Now, 10 years on, it's judgement day. And the victims of Naroda Patiya are hoping, justice will bring some closure.
From: NDTV
On February 28, 2002 during the bandh call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a rioting mob had attacked Naroda Patiya, killing 95 Muslims.
"What was the fault of people of Naroda Patiya? What wrong had small children done that they were killed mercilessly?" questions Shakeela Bano, a Naroda Patiya riot victim, who is still haunted by images of her children being brutally murdered.
With communal riots were fast spreading across Gujarat, a day after a coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire, Shakeela, her husband, her mother, two children and others were praying the mayhem would not reach Naroda Patiya in Ahmedabad.
Then, during the VHP sponsored bandh, a murderous mob attacked the area. For almost the entire day they tried escaping the mob's fury, pleading for mercy. But they weren't spared; eight members of her family were killed.
"We only want those who have committed this heinous act should be punished. Imagine how innocent people were killed mercilessly. What was their fault? Punish those who were responsible for Godhra, be it Muslims or Hindus," said Shakeela.
95 innocent lives were lost in the carnage. Many were burnt alive.
Shopkeeper Nazeer Mohammad was lucky, but he is still trying to piece his life together. His family managed to escape the rioters, but their home, business and all their savings were gone in the anarchy that followed.
"They first took away whatever they could lay their hands on. My wife used to sell bangles from home... that was also looted... all valuables were taken away before they set the house afire," recalls Nazeer.
The case was first investigated by the Gujarat Police, but in 2009, the Supreme Court appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe ten cases including this incident.
The SIT registered cases against many accused including the then minister Mayaben Kodnani and arrested her. This was the first time a minister was arrested in a riot case. The Naroda Patiya victims had given statements stating that Ms Kodnani had incited mobs.
Of the 64 people accused, three died during trial. The remaining 61 accused were tried for murder, arson and rioting - most of them are out on bail.
Now, 10 years on, it's judgement day. And the victims of Naroda Patiya are hoping, justice will bring some closure.
From: NDTV
