A court in Kheda district of Gujarat on Friday acquitted 72 people accused in two cases of post-Godhra riots for lack of evidence.
People from Rohit Vas and Gajipur areas, belonging to different communities in Nadiad taluka, had clashed with each other on March 29, 2002 and destroyed each other’s properties.
Seventeen people were injured in the incident, following which cross-complaints were filed in the Nadiad police station.
Faiyaz Pathan had lodged a complaint against nine accused, while one Pravinchandra Vaghela had filed a complaint against 65 people belonging to the minority community.
On Friday, joint district judge M. V. Trivedi acquitted 72 people, 63 from Vaghela’s case and all nine from Pathan’s case, for lack of evidence.
One accused named in Vaghela’s complaint had died during the course of trial while decision on one other remained pending as his chargesheet was filed separately.
The state had witnessed clashes and arson, leaving many dead and scores injured, after the Godhra train carnage of Febraury 2002.
