Godhra verdict: Court terms it 'conspiracy', convicts 31

A special fast-tracked court in Gujarat on Tuesday upheld the conviction of 31 while acquitting 63 in the case of torching of Sabarmati Express coach at Godhra in 2002 that killed 59 passengers, mostly Hindu pilgrims. The ruling comes after nine long years deciding the fate of 94 accused in the case. The verdict was pronounced inside the Sabarmati Jail premises in the state capital Ahmedabad. The additional sessions Judge P R Patel pronounced the judgment under the sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (section on murder) of the Indian Penal code.He said the Court upheld that it was a 'well-planned' conspiracy.