New Delhi: There are many such incidents recorded in the dates of history, which are just a feeling of sorrow and pain by remembering. One such date in the history of India is February 27, 2002, when 59 Karsevaks (God Sevaks) were burnt alive in Godhra, Gujarat. Today, it has been 19 years since this horrific scandal.
In this incident, S-6 bogie of Sabarmati Express was set ablaze at Godhra station, in which 59 kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya were killed by burning. In Godhra case, 31 accused have been sentenced to death, 20 have been sentenced to life imprisonment. At the same time 63 have been acquitted. Let us have a look at the incident related to this heinous murder.
Morning incident
On the morning of 27 February, when the Sabarmati Express reached Godhra railway station, flames started rising from one of its S-6 coaches and there was a huge fire inside. The passengers in the coach were engulfed in flames. All these pilgrims were returning from Ayodhya. Most of these people were Karsevaks. The tragic death of these 59 kar sevaks soaked Gujarat’s forehead.
Conspiracy confirmation
It was ensured that the train was set on fire under some conspiracy. It was found that the crowd had set fire to the city by pouring petrol, which was also approved by the Nanavati Commission. However, on the very next day of the Godhra carnage, the matter became turbulent. The incident triggered a horrific riot in Gujarat after the bodies of the karsevaks were handed over to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on 28 February.
Action taken
In this case 31 people were found guilty and the special court of SIT acquitted 63 people. Eleven of the convicts were sentenced to death and 20 to life imprisonment.
