Court to decide Godhra train convicts’ fate

A special court, which held 31 people guilty of burning a train killing 59 people in Gujarat in 2002, is likely to pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday.

The court on Tuesday said the convicted persons will be awarded punishment under Section 302 and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code for burning the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express on Feb 27, 2002 at Godhra.

The majority of the casualties were Kar Shevaks, who were returning from Ayodhya.

The court, however, acquitted 63 , including the key accused Maulvi Umarji while deciding on the role of over 90 people accused of burning the train.

The court set free the Maulavi for lack of proper evidence against him, though a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had accused the Maulvi of ordering to mobilise a mob and set fire the particular coach of the train.

Around 1,000 supporters of the Maulvi had attacked the coach at the Godhra station and torched it killing 59 people and injuring many.

Meanwhile, policemen have been deployed around the court and neighbouring areas to maintain law and order and peace.