Gujarat local court acquits 70 accused in 2002 riots

Ahmedabad, Feb 15: A local court in Banaskantha district of Gujarat on Friday acquitted 70 people accused in the 2002 post-Godhra riots that also affected Seshan Nava village citing lack of evidence, reports said.

Fourteen members of a minority community were killed in the riots while two persons from the majority community lost their lives in police firing.

Additional Sessions Judge VK Pujara acquitted the accused saying there wasn't sufficient evidence to show that they were involved in the killings.

Eight of the accused died during the trial. Additional public prosecutor DV Thakor said 12 supplementary chargesheets were filed in the case. Eight persons were lodged in the jail since 2002 when they were arrested, said defence lawyer BK Joshi.

It was charged that an armed mob comprising 5,000 people took control of the village on March 2 after the Sabarmati Express fire case happened and killed 14 people, including children.

Oneindia News