Gujarat riots case: Naroda not sure of fair trial

While most of her neighbours in Naroda chose silence on the Gujarat riots that hit their lives seven years ago, Shakila Bano (35) summoned the courage to give evidence against the rioters who had chased, burned and killed eight of her family members.

While most of her neighbours in Naroda chose silence on the Gujarat riots that hit their lives seven years ago, Shakila Bano (35) summoned the courage to give evidence against the rioters who had chased, burned and killed eight of her family members.

HT Image

But on a day when the Supreme Court ordered the setting up of fast-track courts for the riot cases within the state, Bano wondered what kind of justice she could expect.

“It was this state which let us down when the mobs were attacking that day. It was this police, which instead of protecting us, kicked us out. Then how can we believe that everything would be fair in this investigation and trial?” Bano, who still lives in Naroda Patiya with her husband and children, asked.

Naroda Patiya was the centre of the worst riots in February 2002, with 106 Muslims having been killed by a frenzied Hindu mob a day after a fire in the Sabarmati Express killed 59 people.

For Rashida Bano (45), who always believed that justice for riot victims was something never to be expected, the setting up of fast-track courts makes no difference. “Nothing happened for seven years and nothing can be expected even now.” Rashida, whose house was burnt down, had to run for life and spend about six months in relief camps.

“We don’t know what it takes to get justice. I only hope those responsible for it would act for us,” said Javed Sheikh (20), who lost his parents and sister to the riots at the age of 13 and is now a tailor in Naroda.

In contrast to the mood among survivors of the riots, the Gujarat government said the Supreme Court’s decision was a vindication of its stand.

“By not accepting the pleas to transfer the cases out of Gujarat, the apex court has reposed faith in our government. We have an independent judiciary capable of withstanding pressures and a fair bureaucracy to stand by it,” said Jay Narayan Vyas, health minister and state government spokesperson.

The Congress party however expressed concern over the apex court’s decision. “Now, with a trial being carried out in the state, there would be doubts about the security of the witnesses. The investigating officers would also be under pressure,” Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat Congress spokesperson said.