1st post-Godhra riot verdict: 32 out of 73 convicted in Guj

Ahmedabad, Nov 9: A special fast-track court on Wednesday, Nov 9 delivered its verdict in the first post Godhra riot case. 32 people out of 73 accused have been convicted in the Sardarpura killing case in which 33 people were burnt to death.

There were charges of murder, attempt to murder, rioting and arson against 73 people. While 32 people were declared guilty, 42 have been set free.

Here it can be recalled that just a day after the Godhra riots 2002, where 59 people were burnt alive in the Sabarmati train at Godhra riot, 20 women and 13 others were set on fire in a house at Sardarpura village in Gujarat on Mar 1, 2002.

During the proceedings of the court, prosecution alleged that it was a pre-planned attack on the people who belonged to minority class in Sardarpura village. The prosecution also accused some local political leaders of hatching the conspiracy following the Godhra riots.

However, the accused tried to shield themselves by claiming that they have been falsely implicated in the conspiracy of Sardarpura killings and the plot was planned by some other persons who entered the village from outside.

OneIndia News