Investigations and Responsibility of Gujarat Riot 2002

 

Investigations and Responsibility of Gujarat Riot 2002


The 2002 Gujarat riots, also known as the Gujarat violence or pogrom, were a period of intense inter-communal clashes in the Indian state of Gujarat, primarily targeting the Muslim minority. They began on February 28, 2002, following the Godhra train burning incident on February 27, and lasted for several days of widespread violence, with sporadic outbreaks continuing for months. Official figures report 1,044 deaths (790 Muslims and 254 Hindus), 223 missing, and over 2,500 injured, alongside extensive looting, arson, and reports of sexual violence. Independent estimates, such as the Concerned Citizens Tribunal Report, suggest the death toll could exceed 1,900–2,000, mostly Muslims. The violence displaced up to 150,000 people, many into relief camps, and led to the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses, predominantly Muslim-owned.

Multiple probes highlight state complicity but cleared Modi legally:

  • Official Probes:
    • Nanavati-Mehta Commission (State, 2008): Blamed Muslims for Godhra; found riots spontaneous but criticized police inaction. Accused of bias toward BJP.
    • SIT (Supreme Court, 2008–2012): Cleared Modi of complicity in Gulberg case; rejected claims of inadequate prevention. Upheld in 2022, but amicus curiae Raju Ramachandran dissented, suggesting prosecution for promoting enmity.
    • NHRC (2002): Found state failure to protect rights; "res ipsa loquitur" (obvious negligence).
    • UK Inquiry (2002, unpublished until BBC 2023): Called riots "ethnic cleansing"; Modi "directly responsible" for impunity.
  • International Views: HRW (2002) documented police complicity; US banned Modi visa (2005–2014) over role; UK/EU boycotts ended 2012–2013. Genocide Watch (2023) labeled it genocide, citing Modi's orders to police.
  • Modi's Role: Allegations include instructing police inaction (Bhatt affidavit), inflammatory rhetoric, and delaying response. SIT found insufficient evidence; Modi claims courts proved innocence twice (e.g., 2025 podcast). Critics (e.g., Teesta Setalvad, Zakia Jafri) argue SIT suppressed evidence; ongoing Supreme Court challenges.
Source : Grok


















Comments

Golwalkar Mission of Hindu Rashtra

Could a Similar Crisis Happen in India?

Who will be next PM of Nepal?

Who Is Responsible for Nepal's Political Crisis of September 12, 2025