Click to play videoMehsana: In the first verdict and sentencing in nine years in a post-Godhra riots case in Gujarat, probed by the SIT, 31 persons out of 73 accused have been found guilty and sentenced to life for the Sardarpura massacre in which 33 people were locked up and burnt alive.
But the Mehsana court did acquit 42 others in the case, while 31 others were being released giving them benefit of doubt
"A special court has convicted all 31 accused. The 31 accused have got life imprisonment. Families of the victims have been awarded a compensation of Rs 50,000 each," said Special Public Prosecutor SC Shah.
Sardarpura massacre was one worst incidents of rioting that followed Godhra incident in 2002. A mob had tragetted Shaikh Mohalla in Sardarpura village on March 1 and 2, 2002.
The case was first investigated by the Gujarat Police, but following allegations of a tardy probe, special investigation team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court took charge and booked 76 people in the case.
In all 76 accused were arrested out of whom two died during the pendency of trial, while one was juvenile, against whom trial was on in juvenile court.
No one was given the death penalty as the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy theory behind the burning incident.
But to the victims, their families and NGOs, the verdict has still not provided them a with a sense of closure.
"We are dissatisfied because the investigative agency didn't go deep into the matter. We shall decide after studying the case," said activist Teesta Setalvad.
In the first judgement in the post-Godhra riot case monitored by the SIT, a court has awarded life imprisonment to 31 persons. But the conspiracy theory could not been established by the prosecution.
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