52 accused in post-Godhra riot case acquitted

Godhra, Apr 21 (UNI) A local court today acquitted 52 people accused of involvement in arson and rioting in Dhikava and Pavagadh areas of Halol taluka, a day after a coach of the Sabarmati Express train was set ablaze on February 27, 2002.

Additional Sessions Judge N C Choudhury handed down the order, citing lack of evidence.

According to the complainant, a mob comprising 400 to 500 people had gone around rioting and setting houses on fire.

But the defence lawyer had, however, questioned the validity of the accounts given by eyewitnesses as they were at the relief camps at that particular time.

He also said the complaint was filed on March 7, eight days after the incident.

A Fast Track Court on April 12 had also acquitted 30 people who had been arrested on charges of rioting in Godhra town on May 24, 2002 also due to lack of evidence.

UNI XR-MMG PG SC VP0125