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Godhra riots similar to 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Justice Nanavati

Justice G T Nanavati heading the probe into the recent riots in Gujarat said the mob behaviour at Godhra and other places was similar to the one witnessed during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the aftermath of the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Justice Nanavati is also heading the one-man commission probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The commission is expected to start recording of evidence of the Sabarmati Express passengers from November 20.

At least 58 people, including 25 women and 15 children, were killed and 43 injured when a violent mob set on fire four coaches carrying karsevaks from Ayodhya on February 27.

Asked about the progress made in the inquiry, Justice Nanavati said, "Extensive work has been done and sufficient evidence has been collected in regard to the Godhra incident. We have examined officials from the Indian Railways, Railway Protection Force, local administration and the police. We need to examine the passengers of the train and after such examination the gathering of evidence regarding the Godhra incident would be complete."

Asked whether the witnesses faced any kind of threat or difficulty in expressing their views before the commission, Justice Nanavati said it was more an apprehension entertained by the media.

"The recording of evidence is going on absolutely peacefully and there is no threat of any kind to any witness for coming to give his evidence," he said. "Wherever required the commission will provide adequate protection to the witnesses."

"If at all any witness had any fear in coming forward to give evidence, he can give his statement in confidence," he said.

The commission, also comprising retired Gujarat high court judge, Justice K G Shah, has divided its work into categories relating to the Godhra carnage, the riots in Ahmedabad and the riots in other parts of the state.

The Sabarmati in Flames: Complete Coverage

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