Casualties would have been more, if train was on time: VHP on Godhra

Ahmedabad, Dec 4 (UNI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today said the Godhra incident was a part of an international conspiracy to target India and Hindus.

Making a submission before the Nanavati-Shah Commission, probing the Sabarmati Express carnage incident of February 27, 2002, VHP counsel Deepak Shukla said the conspirators of the crime were aware that over 2000 kar sevaks had travelled in the train to Ayodhya for a 'yagya' on February 22 and were to return in three days. ''So they planned to attack the kar sevaks on the train,'' he said.

He also submitted that the casualties would have been much more had the train reached Godhra on time that day. ''It was to reach at 0250 hrs but was over five hours late. Had it reached on time, a large number of sleeping kar sevaks would have been caught unawares and would have died,'' he pointed out.

At least 59 people were killed in the incident.

He also said the perpetrators had planned to set ablaze at least two or three coaches but could not as they did not have the time.

Mr Shukla mentioned the affidavits submitted by the train driver Rajendra Yadav, RPF commandant S N Pandey to corroborate his submission that the train was set ablaze by a violent mob. ''The mob could not have gathered in minutes. It was a very well thought-out plan to target the Hindus,'' he stressed.

He said the jehadi elements have become more active and were targetting India.

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