The Hindu : National : Godhra panel sure of getting extension

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Thursday, Dec 27, 2007
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National

Godhra panel sure of getting extension

Manas Dasgupta

AHMEDABAD: The sitting of the G.T. Nanavati and K.G. Shah judicial inquiry commission, probing the Godhra train carnage and the post-Godhra communal riots in Gujarat, was adjourned on Wednesday to January 10, though its term expires on December 31.

The Commission was expecting further extension by the government, sources said. A proposal in this regard had been sent to it.

Mr. Justice Nanavati could not attend Wednesday’s sitting due to personal reasons. Mukul Sinha, advocate for the Jansangharsha Manch representing the riot victims, took strong exception to the adjournment. The next sitting should be held in a day or two as the commission proceedings had already taken an unduly long time. However, no change was made by Mr. Justice Shah.The Commission was set up in April 2002 soon after the outbreak of riots following the train carnage on February 27. It was required to submit a report within six months. However, since then its term had been extended as it had not been able to conclude its findings.

Report delayed

Dr. Sinha also took objection to the State government delaying the submission of its report on the analysis of two compact discs containing the mobile numbers of political leaders and administrative and police officials to track their movements during the riots.

The CDs were submitted to the Commission by Superintendent of Police Rahul Sharma when he was connected with the Crime Branch investigating the riots in Ahmedabad. The Manch, which has already submitted its analysis on the basis of which Dr. Sinha has demanded the summoning of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders.

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