What holds for 31 accused in Gujarat riots?

New Delhi, Feb 25: The Godhra carnage continues to hog the limelight even after the verdict has been pronounced. After 31 people have been convicted as guilty for criminal conspiracy and 63 others have been acquitted in the case, a special court will decide today the quantum of punishment for the 31 accused.

The Sabarmati train burning incident had led to the worst communal riots India has seen. The court while pronouncing its judgment conformed that the attempt was a planned conspiracy to murder the 59 member group who were returning from Ayodhya. The incident led to violence in Gujarat among various religious groups.

The court had also let off Maulvi Hussain Umarji, who is alleged to be the main conspirator behind the massacre, according to the Gujarat Police. However, there was no tangible evidence to nail the Maulvi.

Judge PR Patel, will today pronounce the punishment for the 31 accused that includes charges, apart from murder and criminal conspiracy, like IPC sections 147, 148 (rioting with deadly weapons), 323, 324, 325, 326 (intent to cause hurt), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds), various sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act , Indian Railways Act and Bombay Police Act.

But the question still remains, on what happens to the other 63 people, who were acquitted and had to spent 9 years behind bars for no apparent reason. Who will address their grief?

OneIndia News